TAG Heuer | Report on the 50th Anniversary Event of the "Carrera"

Ultra-lightweight, New Concept Model Unveiled

Carrera 50th Anniversary Event Report

The watch show held in Geneva, Switzerland in January of this year was not justthe International Haute Horlogerie (SIHH: commonly known as the Geneva Salon).This year, TAG Heuer celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Carrera, born from motorsports inspiration, with a special exhibition. The company unveiled an ultra-lightweight concept model, its first using a new carbon fiber-based composite material for the case,the Carrera Carbon 1887 Concept Chronograph,as part of the event.

Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito

First Adoption of Carbon-Based New Composite Case

Among Switzerland's renowned watch brands, TAG Heuer is currently the most proactive in technological challenges, achieving continuous success. The impact of the 2004 concept model "Monaco V4," which was the first in watchmaking history to incorporate a belt-drive mechanism, is still vividly remembered among watch industry professionals.

Since then,Tourbillonmechanism, and up to the latest chronograph model "Micrograph" which features a double complication of both the "watch mechanism" and thechronographmechanism, TAG Heuer has consistently developed and announced experimental models equipped with innovative technologies that surprise the watch industry almost every year. Furthermore, a significant characteristic is their aim to commercialize these concepts, rather than leaving them as mere prototypes, as seen with the "Monaco V4," which was later released as a limited edition product.

Naturally, for watch enthusiasts, TAG Heuer's concept models are absolutely unmissable. Since 2011, the company has held a special exhibition in Geneva every January, preceding the Baselworld (Basel Fair) in spring, to announce concept watches equipped with groundbreaking new technologies.

In January 2013, the company again unveiled a groundbreaking new concept model in Geneva. This was the "Carrera Carbon 1887 Concept Chronograph," an ultra-lightweight concept model featuring the company's first case made from a new carbon fiber-based composite material.

Carrera Carbon 1887 Concept Chronograph

This year, TAG Heuer celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Carrera with a special exhibition held in Geneva, Switzerland.

This year marks a special milestone, celebrating 50 years since the birth of the Carrera, one of the brand's iconic models. As a commemorative model for this occasion, this piece features a "Carbon Matrix Composite," a carbon composite material, used for the case, bezel, and crown. The weight is a stunningly light 19g for the case alone. As the movement is identical to current models, its specifications suggest a strong possibility of early commercialization compared to previous concept models.

Additionally, as a tribute to Mr. Jack Heuer, the former CEO and now Honorary Chairman, who built a close relationship with the motorsports world and made significant contributions to establishing the brand's current image, a commemorative model titled "Carrera 50th Anniversary Model" was also presented.the Carrera 1887 Chronograph Jack Heuer 50th Anniversary Model,was also unveiled.

Furthermore, immediately after the Geneva exhibition, a limited edition diver's chronograph model bearing the name of Kei Nishikori, the highly anticipated professional tennis player who has become a TAG Heuer ambassador, was announced.the Aquaracer Chronograph Air-K Japan Limited Edition,delighting fans.

At this year's Baselworld, commencing in late April, further groundbreaking models commemorating the Carrera's 50th anniversary are anticipated. It would be wise for all TAG Heuer fans, and indeed anyone who considers themselves a watch enthusiast, to keep a close eye on these developments.