TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 Chronograph Ref. CAR2A8A.BF0707
The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 Chronograph features an open-worked dial and is delivered with a titanium case and bracelet. Owing to the use of titanium, this timepiece is both light and hypoallergenic. This detailed review of the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 Ref. CAR2A8A.BF0707 includes live images, specification details and pricing.
Titanium is a material which is increasingly being used in the aerospace, motorsport and medical industries owing to its low mass, strength, resistance to corrosion and hypoallergenic benefits. It is frequently selected for replacement hips and joints for its strength and skin friendly properties. Now, TAG Heuer has chosen to offer its impressive Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 timepiece with a titanium case and matching bracelet, promising a wrist friendly means of telling the time.
The dial
The dial is openworked and features an array of layers conferring a fascinating three dimensionality. The hour and minute hands are lined with white luminescent fill and share a similar appearance to the baton-like hour markers, augmenting the visual cohesion of the dial.
Three subdials populate the dial. A 30-minute chronograph register resides at noon, while below, at 6 o’clock, a 12-hour chronograph register provides visual symmetry. A small seconds display sits at 9 o’clock, presented in a slightly smaller form than its siblings. Each subdial consists of an open centre section and a snailed chapter ring. The subdials appear to float above the dialscape, bestowing a wonderful lightness to their appearance.
Positioned adjacent the hour markers, an open-worked dial disc reveals all values on its form. An aperture at 3:30 proclaims the prevailing date on a white background, delivering absolute clarity. Encircling the dial area, presented on the flange, is a minuterie, featuring neat, crisp white markings, making read-off of elapsed seconds very simple.
Completing the inventory of functions, a tachymeter scale adorns the bezel, proving useful when calculating the speed of an object over a given distance.
There is a danger when making a watch with an open-worked dial that the numerous layers might detract from the purpose of imparting time. However, thankfully no such allegations can be directed towards this Carrera model. I suspect that part of the reason the dial remains easy to read relates to the solid hands and hour markers, along with their common design language.
Where this dial shines though is with the magnificent strata-like appearance of the numerous layers. They deliver a fascinating texture and depth, heightening the eye-appeal granted.
The case
One of the unique selling aspects of the Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 is the multi-part construction of the models within the collection and the facility to combine an array of different materials to meet the precise needs of most would-be buyers. In this case, all parts are titanium with no flourishes of colour and a comparatively sobre palette. However, the monochrome theme is supremely handsome and will no doubt appeal to legions of fans.
As well as being hypoallergenic, titanium is supremely strong and incredibly light. The case diameter of 45mm occupies a significant portion of the wrist and yet, owing to its lightness, the Carrera does not impose itself uncomfortably upon the wrist. Indeed, with both its low mass and hypoallergenic properties this watch can best be described as ‘wrist friendly’.
The bracelet is of superb quality, free of any sharp edges, and it closes with a positive action, courtesy of its high quality clasp. The bracelet is also supremely flexible, resulting in a caressing embrace with the wrist, reinforcing its ‘wrist friendly credentials’.
The crown is fitted with a rubber grip, aiding ease of adjustment. An exhibition caseback reveals the self-winding movement within.
Calibre Heuer 01
The self-winding Calibre Heuer 01 is an absolute peach. It is equipped with a cheery red column wheel, delivering a wonderfully smooth pushpiece action. The open-worked oscillating mass is presented in a stealthy shade of black, engraved with red writing. The bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève motif.
Note – alternative case configuration of Carrera Calibre Heuer 01
The balance has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and the movement contains 39 jewels. TAG Heuer quotes two figures for the power reserve: 50 hours when the chronograph is not operational and 40 hours when the chronograph is functioning.
Closing remarks
The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 Ref. CAR2A8A.BF0707 is an interesting timepiece. It shares its DNA with other models within the Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 but, owing to its monochrome palette, looks very different.
TAG Heuer has expertly delivered a fascinating openworked vista, coupled with a highly legible dial. Other brands offer openworked dials, but often ease of understanding is impaired. Indeed, very few can match the lucidity offered with this model.
Ultimately, the main success with any watch is how it feels upon the wrist and this watch feels sublime. It is supremely light and, owing to its titanium construction, hypoallergenic. Indeed, this is a wrist friendly timepiece which has to be sampled to be truly appreciated.
Technical Specification
- Model: TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 Ref. CAR2A8A.BF0707
- Ref: CAR2A8A.BF0707
- 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: Titanium bracelet with folding clasp
- Price: £4800 (RRP as of 1.12.2016)