TAG Heuer CARRERA HEUER-01 Full Black Matt Ceramic
The TAG Heuer CARRERA Heuer-01 Full Black Matt Ceramic is the latest watch to join the ever-expanding family of models featuring the manufacture movement, Calibre HEUER-01. In this instance, ceramic is widely used, conferring scratch-free and hypoallergenic properties.
This detailed review of the TAG Heuer CARRERA HEUER-01 Full Black Matt Ceramic includes live images, specification details and pricing.
An early recollection of my childhood is that of my late father positioning his car a significant distance from all other vehicles in car parks. I recall, he was always obsessed about the risk of scratches or dents marring the showroom-fresh condition of whatever cherished car he possessed at the time.
It did not matter whether it was sunny or raining, my father always parked a significant distance from any venue we were visiting. Rain soaked clothing was the necessary price for my father’s peace of mind.
On returning to the car he would inspect each square millimetre for any signs of damage. Both my mother and I would wait with bated breath, anxiously hoping that no damage had occurred.
I am sure my father would have appreciated a car formed of matt ceramic, if only one existed. This contemporary material offers ‘unparalleled scratch resistance’ and forms the primary material for the latest variant of the TAG Heuer CARRERA Heuer-01.
Since the TAG Heuer CARRERA Heuer-01 burst on to the watch scene at Baselworld 2015, it has spawned an array of model variants. Recently, TAG Heuer unveiled the new, striking TAG Heuer CARRERA Heuer-01 Full Black Matt Ceramic.
The dial
Congruent with other TAG Heuer CARRERA Heuer-01 models, the dial is open-worked, allowing sight of the date disc as well as partial views of the hour wheel and minute wheel.
The bold luminescent hands interface with faceted, luminescent baton-type hour markers, while a date aperture resides at 03:30.
Three skeletonised subdials float above the open-worked dial canvas, exposing all of the mechanical manoeuvres. At 6 o’clock is a 12-hour chronograph register, above, at 12 o’clock, is a 30-minute chronograph register and, finally, a small seconds display resides at 9 o’clock. Each subdial features a snailed ring, adorned with markings to facilitate ease of read-off.
Encircling the dial canvas is a minute track which, in conjunction with the central chronograph seconds hand, proves essential for determining elapsed periods of time.
On the bezel is a tachymeter scale making the watch ideal for measuring the speed of an object over a predetermined distance.
Despite the dial being open-worked, with much detail in the background, the timepiece is highly legible with its simple to interpret indications.
The case
When TAG Heuer unveiled the CARRERA Heuer-01 in 2015, it pointed out the case design was modular, consisting of 12 different elements ‘enabling multiple combinations of materials and colours’. Since making this statement, the brand has not sat on its hands, going on to unveil a myriad of different case variants.
This latest version consists of ceramic parts, combined with other materials where this confers benefit. For example, the exhibition case-back is made from ‘satin-finished’ steel, coated in black titanium carbide. The crown features rubber and steel, again coated in black titanium carbide. Steel is used for ‘all functional parts of the watch’ to ensure the maximum water resistance of 100 metres. Despite the mix of materials, everything appears homogeneous, resulting in one consistent, sleek aesthetic.
The bracelet is formed of ceramic with H-shaped links. The folding buckle is presented in steel, coated with black titanium carbide. Again, despite the mixture of materials, everything appears formed of one material. The bracelet is interesting in that it lacks rigidity, assuming a relaxed pose when removed from the wrist. This near-malleability confers a wonderfully cosseting union with the wrist, with sublime levels of wearer comfort bestowed. Moreover, ceramic is hypoallergenic reaffirming the pampering credentials of the bracelet.
The movement
It mustn’t be forgotten that this is a manufacture movement, crafted to a high standard. The chronograph is of the column-wheel variety and, as a result, provides a silken action to the pushpieces. Moreover, actuating the chronograph ensures there is not even the merest hint of wobble as the central chronograph seconds hand commences its journey.
The oscillating mass is open-worked and the column wheel is vibrantly depicted in red to accentuate its form. The bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève motif.
The movement contains 39 jewels and the power reserve is 50 hours. The balance has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz).
Closing remarks
TAG Heuer has been very adventurous with this latest iteration of the TAG Heuer CARRERA Heuer-01.
The open-worked dial proves simple to read. The manufacture movement showcases TAG Heuer’s watchmaking prowess, featuring a column-wheel chronograph which operates sublimely.
The sleek appearance of the watch justifies TAG Heuer’s decision to use ceramic. Moreover, the material is hypoallergenic and, together with the impressive articulation of the bracelet links, confers elevated wearer comfort.
If only TAG Heuer had made cars with scratch-resistant properties, my father would have been more relaxed and I wouldn’t have spent my childhood wearing rain-soaked clothes, walking miles across vacant car parks.
Technical Specification
- Model: TAG Heuer CARRERA HEUER-01 Full Black Matt Ceramic
- Ref: CAR2A91.BH0742
- Case: Titanium; diameter 45mm; water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date; chronograph.
- Movement: Calibre Heuer 01, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), 39 jewels; power reserve 50 hours
- Strap: H-shaped ceramic bracelet. Folding buckle in steel, coated with black titanium carbide, with double push-piece safety mechanism.
Related links