TAG Heuer Carrera Date Jewellery Edition
The TAG Heuer Carrera Date Jewellery Edition is set with over 700 of the finest diamonds, totalling 3.9 carats. Housed in a 29mm steel case and fitted with a self-winding mechanical movement, this latest creation from the Swiss avant-garde brand exudes glamour from every angle. US-based journalist, Meehna Goldsmith explores this deliciously decadent, diamond-set creation.
Eureka!
The Carrera has been a staple in TAG Heuer’s lineup since it debuted in 1963. Originally released as a chronograph, the Carrera was conceived on the race track. Literally. In fact, the model came to Jack Heuer quite randomly – like many of the best ideas. Eureka!
History is filled with lore, where people have been struck with inspiration in the most interesting of places. When Archimedes took a dip in the public baths, he came up with the principle of displacement. Meanwhile, Isaac Newton formulated his theory of gravity after being thumped on the head with an apple while sitting under a tree bearing fruit.
Jack Heuer neither had to bathe nor take a knock to the head to come up with the Carrera name. Instead, it was a word he heard in passing that immediately piqued his interest. In Spanish, it means ‘race’ or ‘career’. No matter what the language, it trips off the tongue, sounding both formidable and sexy all at the same time.
The Heuer Carrera is born
Where was Jack Heuer when he encountered the word? He was attending the ’12 Hours Race’ at Sebring in Florida back in 1962. Since Heuer was the official timekeeper, the Sports Car Club of America invited Jack to come and watch the race. During the chitchat at the track, Heuer heard about the Carrera Panamericana, a race that was eventually discontinued in 1954. In just five years, the race led to 27 fatalities, a figure that included both drivers and spectators. Still, that name… Carrera. There was something there. When Jack returned to Switzerland, he registered the name Heuer Carrera. The following year, 1963, the now iconic Carrera 2447N made its debut.
Three-hands collection
While the inaugural Carrera was a chronograph, TAG Heuer clearly saw more potential for the design. Last year, the brand introduced an updated three-hands collection. Without the chronograph counters on the dial and with no pushers gracing the right flank of the case, the Carrera three-handers take on a whole new personality. These models have a more sophisticated and refined air, yet retain the core DNA of the modern-day Carrera Chronograph: a crisp and legible dial, facetted lugs and an H-shaped bracelet.
The first TAG Heuer extensively paved timepiece
The TAG Heuer Carrera three-hander offered the perfect canvas and silhouette for a new reference, potentially another chapter in the model’s fascinating story. Say hello to the TAG Heuer Carrera Date Jewellery Edition, the first time in TAG Heuer’s 162-year it has offered an ‘extensively paved’ timepiece.
Housed in an elegant 29mm case, comprised of steel with rose gold accents, it is set with over 700 of the ‘finest diamonds’, totalling 3.9 carats. The use of rose gold, which extends to the bezel and crown, complements the steel case. Rose gold throughout would’ve been a bit too gaudy.
A delicate shimmer
The mother-of-pearl dial adds a delicate shimmer and provides the backdrop for the 18K rose gold-plated polished and facetted indexes, each with a diamond nestled within. Located at 6 o’clock, the date window is also framed in rose gold. The bracelet is constructed of alternating rose gold and diamond-set steel links. The TAG Heuer shield features on the steel folding clasp that is securely fastened with double safety push buttons.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Date Jewellery Edition watch includes an exhibition caseback, affording sight of the Calibre 9 automatic movement. The watch is also fitted with a ‘customised rose gold-plated oscillating weight’, serving to reinforce the perception of luxury.
Closing remarks
TAG Heuer isn’t a brand you would associate with a jewellery watch. In fact, some might crinkle their nose at the prospect. However, once sceptics lay their eyes on the Carrera Date Jewellery Edition, they’ll wonder why TAG Heuer hadn’t thought of it before.
Only offered at TAG Heuer boutiques, the Carrera Date Jewellery Edition will be produced in limited quantities. Once sold out, clients can have an example of the high-end model made to order.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer Carrera Date Jewellery Edition
- Reference: WBN2451.BD0567
- Case: stainless steel; diameter 29mm, water resistance 10ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front; exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds, date
- Movement: Calibre 9 automatic, frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), power reserve = 40 hours
- Strap: alternate 18K 5N rose gold and steel H-shaped bracelet, diamond set. Polished stainless-steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons; TAG Heuer shield
- Price: £44,600 (RRP as of 22.11.2022)