TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 7 Twin Time Automatic
Angus Davies provides a hands-on review of the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 7 Twin Time Automatic, a watch with a GMT hand which delivers a highly legible dial and presented in a very handsome form.
This detailed review of the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 7 Twin Time Automatic includes live images, specification details and pricing.
The danger of according more functionality to a timepiece is to overwhelm the wearer with too much dial detail. I am often attracted to a timepiece for the plethora of indications its specification provides, only to find the resultant display bewildering.
Indeed, there is an argument that if you merely want to know the time, then select a watch that simply displays hours and minutes.
Nevertheless, I have found watches equipped with a GMT function most useful. However, some GMT models include complications I do not necessarily require. Moreover, when jet lagged and trying to decide on the most opportune time to phone home, an absence of the extraneous proves most welcome.
TAG Heuer has recently launched its Carrera Calibre 7 Twin Time Automatic which delivers a GMT function in a simple to interpret composition.
The dial
Prospective purchasers have a choice of dial variants, as well the option of a strap or bracelet. The model I selected for evaluation was particularly handsome with its steel bracelet and anthracite dial. Whilst the black dial option delivers greater contrast and legibility, I find the anthracite variant to be particularly appealing with a “sunray effect” to its surface. The rays adorning the dial surface seem to entice the eyes to focus on the centre of the dial surface. It is a strategy TAG Heuer has employed with the tapering applied hour markings which also direct the eyes centre stage.
The hour and minutes hands are faceted and lined with luminescent material. The styling of the hands is restrained, avoiding excessive ebullience which could potentially prove distracting.
At 3 o’clock the date is indicated in black text on a white disc, delightfully framed with a hand applied border in a silvery polished hue. The inclusion of this window frame communicates the date with careful diction that is again simple to interpret.
Arguably the most flamboyant element of the dial design is the GMT hand. It is slim, polished and has a smattering of red detail judiciously applied to its tip.
The chapter ring interfaces well with the central sweep seconds hand and a 24-hour scale is presented on the inner flange.
TAG Heuer has subscribed to the “less is more” philosophy with the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 7 Twin Time Automatic and the result is a simple to interpret dial, free of distractions. However, this does not mean that the brand has eschewed style. For instance, the applied logo glints in ambient light with a charming lustre and the sunray brush is particularly appealing.
The case
The steel case measures 41 mm in diameter and looks resplendent in its fully polished finish.
Ordinarily, I favour leather straps, but the steel bracelet fitted to this model looked very attractive when I was presented with an array of variants to look at. Indeed, a key strength of TAG Heuer watches are the high quality bracelets they fit to their models. The folding clasp, with its push pieces, granted a secure and comfortable fit. The bracelet cleverly blends satin brushed and highly polished surfaces to harmonious effect.
This model is fitted with an exhibition caseback allowing sight of the Calibre 7 self-winding movement within.
The movement
The Calibre 7 has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and a power reserve of at least 42 hours.
Côtes de Genève motif adorns the oscillating mass with perlage is visible beneath.
The ease of use with this watch extends to the crown adjustment. It is simple to grip, courtesy of its new 2014 design, and allows the date to be rapidly changed by turning counter-clockwise whilst in the “first position”. Turning the crown in the opposite direction, clockwise, adjusts the GMT hand. This intelligent design confers a user-friendly interface with the wearer.
Closing remarks
The Twin Time delivers a clean and highly legible display. TAG Heuer has exercised great restraint by not lengthening the specification list with too many functions and, in so doing, loosing the purity of purpose this model evidently exhibits.
It is handsome and repeatedly exhibits user-friendly elements to its specification. I particularly admire the way TAG Heuer orchestrates the wearers eyes to the salient indications shown. The restricted palette of colours does not confuse but still delivers copious amounts of style.
The price of £2395 (as at 17.3.2014) represents good value, especially considering the quality of the dial, case and movement ensemble. Indeed, TAG Heuer has shown with the Carrera Calibre 7 Twin Time Automatic that, in some instances, two times can be better than one.
Technical Specification
- Model: TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 7 Twin Time Automatic
- Reference: WAR2012.BA0723
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter 41.00 mm; water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; central sweep seconds; date; GMT.
- Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre 7, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 kph (4Hz); Power reserve at least 42 hours.
- Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and push pieces.
- Price: £2395 (as at 13.3.2014)
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