Baselworld 2016: TAG Heuer CARRERA HEUER-01

Baselworld 2016: TAG Heuer CARRERA HEUER-01

Three new models with a brand new feature: the HEUER-01 is now available with a metal bracelet, particularly in keeping with the edges of its large, stylish case.

Presented for the first time last year at Baselworld, the Carrera HEUER-01 is THE signature Chrono model from the TAG Heuer manufacture. In 2015, the watch formed the cornerstone of a burgeoning new collection, with a new design, a new HEUER-01 in-house calibre based on the 1887 calibre, and a new modular case design with 12 elements enabling multiple combinations of materials and colours.

In 2016, the hugely successful HEUER-01 was extended to include three new references.

The first new feature: the metal bracelet makes an appearance in the collection. It is made from H-shaped links with the Carrera design; here the main feature is that it enables the alternating satin-finished and polished finishes which are so in tune with the piece's large, stylish case. The external links feature a vertical brushed satin finish, while the central link is polished. Each individual link is meticulously finished, one by one, before the piece is fully assembled. The piece is topped off with a dual safety mechanism featuring two push-pieces.

Choose between steel and titanium: This year, the Carrera HEUER-01 is also available in an all-steel version (case and bracelet both made from steel) for a refined yet sporty look. Naturally, the designers have kept the model's signature skeleton dial, which reveals the chronograph controls, the openwork date disc on the dial side and the red column wheel – a visual anchor with the weight at the back of the watch.

Second option: all-titanium. Resistant to corrosion, erosion and fire, titanium is a metal widely used in a range of fields from aeronautics to aerospace, and from the chemicals industry to medicine. Twice as light and twice as resistant as steel, titanium was chosen because it perfectly meets the needs of a technical, sports watch: it is lightweight, with a powerful, modern and unique appeal. Called the "Carrera HEUER-01 Grey Phantom", this model explores all the shades of grey for a magnificent modern look. 

Finally, the third version of the HEUER-01 combines ceramic and rubber. Here, the case, bezel, lugs and case middle (all the parts exposed to friction) are made from black ceramic, to minimise signs of wear while offering an attractive pitch-black design. The piece is topped off with a textured black rubber strap. Technically, to guarantee perfect water resistance to 100 metres, steel is always present on all the functional parts of the watch (inner box section, screw-in case back, push-pieces etc.) to enable the gaskets (crystal gasket, case-back gaskets, push-piece gaskets and crowned tube) to fulfil their function.

Having benefited from five years of continuous improvement and optimisation, the HEUER-01 calibre has attained a very high level of quality while its production costs have been carefully managed, making it the only Chronograph produced entirely in-house with these types of finish available for between 5000 and 7000 CHF, depending on the version