TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda Watch Review
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda was unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2024. Measuring 39 mm in diameter and endowed with a silver sunray brushed dial with black counters, the new model replicates the look of the Reference 7753 SN of 1968. Based on his encounter, Angus Davies thinks the Swiss marque has another hit on its hands.
TAG Heuer watch
After releasing a highly successful inaugural LP, there comes a time when a recording artist must deliver a second album. It’s a pivotal moment in any musician’s career, where mediocrity waits to pounce and critics busily sharpen knives. It must be a daunting prospect for any creative soul.
Heuer Carrera Chronograph Reference 2447
Launched at the Basel Fair in 1963, the inaugural Heuer Carrera Chronograph, the Reference 2447, was a postdated classic from the get-go. A product of Jack Heuer’s imagination, the design was both functional and attractive.
Baton-style hands incorporating lume, facetted indexes, with luminescent dots positioned adjacent, and three snailed counters were just some of the defining features of the 2447. Produced in a pre-sapphire crystal age, the Plexiglass glazing was held in position with a steel tension ring, a detail that enhanced water-resistance. Jack Heuer had the inspired idea of placing the track marked with a ⅕-second scale upon the tension ring, freeing up valuable dial space.
The Reference 2447 measured just 36 mm in diameter, a modest figure by today’s standards, and yet the dial wasn’t cluttered. Indeed, with the advent of the 2447, Jack Heuer, a man with a passion for contemporary art and architecture, achieved his goal of creating a watch with a ‘clear, clean design’.
Heuer Carrera – numerous hits
At this juncture, after the widespread backslapping from colleagues, Jack’s thoughts must have turned to the all-important second album. It would seem that the stars aligned for Monsieur Heuer. His creativity led to the Swiss marque going on to release a bevy of hits, including the 3647, 2448, 2456, etc.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda – inspired by the Reference 7753 SN
At Watches & Wonders 2024, TAG Heuer invited horophiles to revisit 1968, the year the Maison released the Reference 7753 SN. Affectionately termed a panda dial, the display featured two black eye-like counters peeping from a silver-hued backdrop. Masterfully optimising contrast, the 7753 SN not only looked clean, courtesy of its ingenious use of the tension ring, it also proved simple to read.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda, presented in a 39 mm stainless steel case, is a contemporary interpretation of the bi-compax classic, reimagined for a modern-day audience.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda dial
Described as a ‘bi-compax’ layout, the new model actually features three subdials, namely a 30-minute chronograph register, a 12-hour chronograph register and a small seconds display. The latter indication eschews any framework and blends within the main dialscape.
Inevitably, the eyes are drawn to the headline act: two panda eyes, snailed and beautiful. Black pupils and white lashes are complemented with scarlet hands. The trio of hues sit in concert and stylishly express meaning in an easy-to-interpret format. In addition, a date display resides at 6 o’clock.
Reminiscent of the 2447, the hands are baton-style and lined with luminescent fill, albeit, in this instance, the nocturnal glow is delivered using contemporary Super-LumiNova. The indexes are applied, rhodium-plated and facetted. Once again, circular luminescent dots reside adjacent to the indexes, upholding the design language of the 2447.
The main dial epidermis is adorned with a sunray brushed motif, comprising supremely fine lines emanating from the centre of the dial. A track, marked with a ¼-second scale, frames the main dial area and is dished, introducing a charming play with depths.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda case
Like the two glassbox models released last year, (the blue dial (reference CBS2212.FC6535) and the black dial (reference CBS2210.FC6534)), this latest version is equipped with a curved sapphire crystal. This confers a wonderful three-dimensional aesthetic, drinking in the light, illuminating the dial plane and bestowing an agreeably airy feel.
As the exterior of the glassbox arcs downwards towards the caseband, the Maison has used the sloping surface to accommodate a tachymeter scale. Delivering functionality without cluttering the dial, the design approach once again evokes thoughts of the 2447 and its aforementioned tension ring.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda is presented on a new three-rows stainless steel bracelet, a first for the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph ‘Glassbox’ (39 mm). Encompassing both brushed and polished finishes, the bracelet evinces a sumptuous feel and comfortably hugs the wrist.
TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 (Ref. TH20-00)
Once again, the Calibre Heuer 02 makes a return appearance. And why not? As the saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’. This fully-integrated movement, created in-house at the brand’s Chevenez facility, unites a column-wheel with a vertical coupling.
Press the pushpiece at 2 o’clock and the central chronograph seconds hand commences its journey without the merest suggestion of hesitation or stutter. Moreover, the action of pressing the capstan-style pushers is a tactile pleasure, conferring a silky smile-inducing smoothness. Attractive finishing, an impressive 80-hour power reserve and a 5-year warranty serve to heighten the appeal of this delightful watch.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda – closing remarks
Recently, I secured a copy of ‘The TAG Heuer Carrera: The Race Never Stops‘, a must-read book that chronicles the history of the iconic watch from its inception to the present day. As I thumbed the pages and appraised the many references produced over the last 61 years, it soon became obvious that the brand has never played a bum note. Indeed, every release has proved an aesthetic hit. Having worn the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda, I can attest, that each component delivers an excellent performance.
When Heuer released the Reference 7753 SN, some five years after launching the first Carrera Chronograph, Jack already had numerous gold discs on his office walls. Today, TAG Heuer has an impressive back catalogue of hits and now, having released the Chronograph Glassbox Panda, it seems like the Swiss Maison will soon have another one on its hands.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Panda
- Reference: CBS2216.BA0041
- Case: polished steel, diameter 39 mm, water resistance 10ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: Calibre Heuer 02 (Ref. TH20-00), automatic, frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), 33 jewels, power reserve 80 hours
- Bracelet: steel 3 rows bracelet. Fine brushed, polished steel folding clasp with double safety push buttons
- Price: £6,100 (RRP as of 13.5.2024)