This year, TAG Heuer embarked on a big quest. The brand decided to revamp the entire original racing chronograph series. Translated: redesign and release new versions of the beloved Carrera Chronograph. The first of its kind was unveiled in 1963 and was the brainchild of then-president Jack Heuer. It was steel with a silver dial and the watch-loving/auto-loving world was immediately enamored. This year witnesses a host of newly overhauled models, including some special editions and the new  Carrera Sport Chronograph Collection. The newest Carrera chronograph watches making their debut today –and available in stores in October — are more classically elegant in styling, much like the original.

Details: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronographs

They feature a new 42mm case size, stainless steel bezels, and color combinations reminiscent of the historic pieces. The are devoid of the much-recognized tachymeter scale that is present on most other models, but that is just for aesthetic purposes; it keeps the  dials clean and elegant. The movement inside is the highly reliable in-house-made  Heuer 02 automatic caliber (previous references were powered by quartz movements). The manufacture-made Caliber 02 consists of 168 components and offers 80 hours of power reserve – an impressive number for a relatively affordable watch.

The sophisticated new Carrera chronograph models are available with either a black or sunray brushed blue dial on stainless steel bracelet, or with anthracite or silver dials (recalling the original 1963 piece) with leather straps. The bracelet has also been redesigned for better ergonomics and a more cohesive link aesthetic. A screw-down sapphire case back allows for viewing of the mechanical movement with rose-gold-colored rotor.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tour of the Dial

A tour around the dial shows harmoniously balanced subsidiary dials at 3:00 and 9:00 that include the minute counter at 3:00, the hour counter at 9:00 (12-hours). At 6:00 on the dial is the permanent seconds dial. The chronograph boasts a central seconds hand.  Beneath it is a date indication. The hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, as are the markers — offering great legibility.  The watch, while classically elegant, is also water resistant to 100 meters.  The TAG Heuer Carrera chronographs retail from $5,350 to $5,550.

Impressions of the Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph

It is my experience that when a brand overhauls a watch, they typically make considerable changes. This year, TAG Heuer has done exactly that with the Carrera. The fact that it has used its 160th anniversary to revamp this beloved timepiece makes a lot of sense. They new case size, the various versions ranging from sporty to classic — with a host of special editions, as well — and the inclusion of the Heuer 02 caliber all add up to an iconic watch perfectly poised for today’s (and tomorrow’s) world.