It’s that time of the year, when we get to see swanky new updates for the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph. Not sure if many of you have noticed, but the recent upgrades that I have seen in some brands, either have drastic changes in the new version as in comparison to the base model, or they have subtle changes in tech and design, while keeping the overall vibe same as the mother-piece.
Sporting a newly shaped case and cleaner dials, the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph watches breathe familiarity. As modern edition to this series, the timepieces are sporty and casual. Inspired by racing and hosting the familiar angular case, bevelled lugs, flat casebands along with the tachymeter scale on the external bezel, TAG Heuer justifies the changes to the new edition by maintaining these classic Carrera features.
When compared to the NISMO Special Edition or even the Chrono Black Titanium watch, you will agree that the four new watches in this series are as skewed towards the original language, as possible. For example, we see a new case shape with shorter lugs, making this 41 mm watch a lot sleeker and compact. It sits well on the wrist and doesn’t look overbearing.
The new watch also hosts brushed surfaces with polished accents, but the case is no more a fully polished piece. The bezel ditches the metal ring on the outer edge but retains the ceramic make. The dials are the main talking point, if you ask me. You can pick up the watch ins sunray brushed black or blue. The color choices reflect high legibility, which is a big bonus.
To make things easier to read, the counters are larger and obvious, and surrounded by metallic rings. The familiar dot of Super-LumiNova at each index is no longer there. The index markers sport luminescent material, increasing the legibility. Hints of red in the black watches and orange on the blue version add the spice of racing to the mix.
Under the hood is a classic 7750-based automatic chronograph movement that gives us 42-hour power reserve. The change this brings about is the showcasing of the date and not the day-date as we have seen in other watches.
Teamed with the Carrera Calibre 16 blue or black dial versions, is a perforated leather strap with folding clasp or on a 3-link, brushed and polished steel bracelet. Pick up the leather strap TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph for $4600 and the steel bracelet one for $4800.