In 2024, TAG Heuer made waves in the watchmaking industry with the launch of its Extreme Sport collection, expanding the Carrera Chronograph series. Following its collaboration with Porsche on the limited-edition Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963, TAG Heuer has introduced six new models under the “Extreme Sport” umbrella. These include four variations of the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport and two versions of the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport.

This article provides a detailed exploration of the features, design, and movements of these new timepieces, highlighting their significance in TAG Heuer’s ongoing evolution and their appeal to motorsport enthusiasts and luxury watch collectors alike.

Evolution of the Carrera Chronograph Series

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 was launched earlier in the year as a limited edition, featuring elements inspired by the Porsche 963 race car. The aggressive styling, limited to 963 pieces, quickly sold out across various platforms. The Extreme Sport collection builds on this momentum, offering a more extensive selection of chronographs that push the boundaries of design and functionality. These new additions incorporate a more sculpted case design, improved movements, and a stronger emphasis on legibility through their redesigned skeleton dials.

Overview of the Extreme Sport Collection

TAG Heuer’s Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport collection consists of six models in total: four standard chronograph models and two tourbillon chronographs. Each of these models shares the same basic case dimensions, with a 44mm diameter and 15.1mm thickness. These watches stand out for their rugged design, advanced chronograph movements, and high-performance features.

Chronograph Extreme Sport Models

The four Chronograph Extreme Sport models feature cases made from titanium, with a combination of polished and brushed finishes. The cases also incorporate DLC-coated elements, including the crown, pushers, and caseback. TAG Heuer has used two grades of titanium in these watches: grade-5 titanium for interactive elements and grade-2 titanium for the caseback.

The dials of the Chronograph Extreme Sport models are open-worked, with hollowed-out chronograph counters and bridges designed for enhanced legibility. The use of contrasting colours on the dial’s bridges, subdials, and seconds track makes it easier to read the time, while the skeletonised date disc includes a square of white Super-LumiNova for better visibility in low light conditions.

A standout feature of these watches is the movement, the Caliber TH20-00, which is also found in other recent TAG Heuer chronograph models such as the Glassbox chronographs. The Caliber TH20-00 is a high-performance automatic chronograph movement with a power reserve of 80 hours and a frequency of 4Hz. It ensures accurate timekeeping and is ideal for motorsport applications, which demand both precision and durability.

Tourbillon Chronograph Extreme Sport Models

TAG Heuer also unveiled two new tourbillon models in the Extreme Sport collection, available in black titanium and 18k rose gold. These models share the same 44mm diameter as their chronograph counterparts but replace the date wheel with a tourbillon complication located at 6 o’clock.

Both models feature the Calibre TH20-09, an automatic movement that includes the tourbillon and chronograph functions. The Calibre TH20-09 offers the same 80-hour power reserve as the standard chronograph models and operates at 4Hz. It is a highly sophisticated movement, demonstrating TAG Heuer’s technical prowess and commitment to producing high-performance timepieces at competitive price points.

The design of the tourbillon models is equally aggressive, with the black titanium version featuring a forged carbon bezel, while the rose gold version comes with a matching polished rose gold bezel. The monochromatic design of the titanium model contrasts with the luxurious finish of the rose gold model, providing options for different tastes and preferences. Both models are fitted with integrated rubber straps for a sporty yet refined look.

Design Features

The Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport models feature a case that has been significantly re-sculpted compared to previous TAG Heuer chronographs with integrated rubber straps. While the watches retain their substantial 44mm diameter, the case design has been slimmed down with smoother edges and a more streamlined silhouette. This is particularly evident in the lugs, which have been tapered for a sleeker appearance.

The bezel of the Chronograph Extreme Sport models is crafted from matte black ceramic and features tachymeter markings. These markings, which are crucial for calculating speed, are clearly visible against the dark background of the ceramic bezel, making the watch ideal for motorsport applications.

One of the most striking aspects of the Extreme Sport collection is the skeletonised dial. Each of the four chronograph models comes in a distinct colourway, with accents on the chronograph seconds hand, subdials, and date disc corresponding to the overall theme of the watch. These dials are designed with legibility in mind, using contrasting colours to ensure that the time and chronograph functions are easy to read even in challenging conditions.

The use of Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers ensures that the watch remains functional in low-light environments, further enhancing its practicality for extreme sports and high-speed activities.

Movement and Performance

The Caliber TH20-00 powers the Chronograph Extreme Sport models, while the tourbillon models are equipped with the Caliber TH20-09. Both movements are automatic and feature an impressive 80-hour power reserve, ensuring that the watches remain functional for extended periods without the need for winding. These movements are also known for their reliability and accuracy, making them ideal for use in motorsport or other high-performance settings.

The TH20-09 movement, found in the tourbillon models, is a technically advanced calibre that combines the traditional chronograph function with a tourbillon complication. The tourbillon, a feature traditionally found in high-end watches, is designed to improve the accuracy of the timepiece by compensating for the effects of gravity on the movement. This is achieved by placing the escapement and balance wheel in a rotating cage, ensuring that the movement remains consistent regardless of the watch’s position.

TAG Heuer’s decision to include the tourbillon complication in these models demonstrates the brand’s commitment to offering cutting-edge technology at accessible price points. The tourbillon models are priced starting at 25,500 CHF, making them some of the most affordable tourbillon watches on the market from a major Swiss brand.

Pricing and Availability

The Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport models are priced starting at 8,000 CHF, while the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport models start at 25,500 CHF. All six models will be available from September 2024. While none of the models are limited editions, their high-performance features and aggressive styling make them appealing to collectors and motorsport enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport and Tourbillon Chronograph Extreme Sport models represent the brand’s continued evolution in the realm of high-performance timepieces. With their bold design, advanced movements, and practical features, these watches cater to a specific audience – those who value both precision and aesthetics in extreme environments.

The skeletonised dials, robust titanium cases, and inclusion of a tourbillon complication set these watches apart in the competitive luxury sports watch market. By offering both standard chronograph and tourbillon models, TAG Heuer ensures that there is something for everyone in the Extreme Sport collection, from motorsport enthusiasts to collectors seeking a tourbillon at an accessible price point.

As TAG Heuer continues to innovate and push the boundaries of watch design, the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport series stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to blending heritage with modernity. These timepieces not only pay homage to the brand’s history in motorsport but also pave the way for future innovations in the world of luxury sports watches.

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