TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Rabbit Watch Review
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Rabbit features an unusually patterned dial, said to replicate the appearance of soft rabbit fur. Based on the highly successful Carrera Chronograph (updated in 2020), this limited edition of 500 pieces is destined to sell out very quickly.
I’m hopeless at remembering anniversaries and birthdays, however, like many watch obsessives, I possess a nerdy talent for recalling dates of horological significance. For example, the Tourbillon was patented in 1801 and the first self-winding chronograph was released in 1969. I suspect fellow TAG Heuer devotees will know the company was founded in 1860, the oscillating pinion was patented in 1877 `and the first Carrera was unveiled in 1963. When it comes to watch collecting, dates are incredibly important.
Chinese Zodiac – the Year of the Rabbit
In Chinese culture, much significance is attached to the advent of a new year. The 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle celebrates different animals in a defined sequence: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey Rooster, Dog and Pig. Last celebrated in 2011, the Rabbit returns for 2023. In Chinese astrology, rabbits are considered gentle, elegant, skilful, prudent, kind and patient.
Recognising the importance of the Chinese Zodiac to millions of people, and, specifically the Year of the Rabbit, TAG Heuer has just unveiled the aptly named watch, the Carrera Chronograph Year of the Rabbit. Based on the latest generation Carrera Chronograph 44mm, updated in 2020, this ‘exclusive’ model incorporates several unique design elements.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Rabbit – dial detail
Red tones adorn the hour and minute hands, as well as the indexes. In Chinese culture, red is associated with optimism, an appropriate message to coincide with the start of a new year. These red hues are combined with warm notes of rose gold, bestowing a sense of luxury and grandeur.
The dial incorporates three counters, a 30-minute chronograph register at 3 o’clock, a small seconds display at 6 o’clock and a 12-hour chronograph register at 9 o’clock. Each counter features snailing at its centre (azurage) and is framed with a raised, sloping track. There is also a date display, nestling neatly within the counter at 6 o’clock.
TAG Heuer has endowed this model with an unusual rabbit-fur-inspired dial motif. Rest assured, the pattern is merely an artistic representation of fur and no animal has been harmed in the making of this unprecedented horological canvas. The decoration is beautifully defined, and interesting and yet doesn’t detract from the various indications displayed. A minute track encircles the dial and sits above the main dial epidermis.
The original Heuer Carrera of 1963 was famous for having a clean, uncluttered dial, however, the dial of this fur-inspired model is far more complex. The Swiss avant-garde Maison has employed different colours, textures and heights, culminating in a rich, sophisticated horological vista. However, purists should not lose sleep as this rabbit-themed chronograph remains eminently simple to read.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Rabbit – the case
Consistent with the Carrera’s motorsport heritage, the Chronograph Year of the Rabbit is equipped with a tachymeter scale, presented atop a fixed ceramic bezel. The white numerals pack a visual punch, aiding interpretation, while the use of ceramic ensures the bezel will retain its showroom-fresh looks, shunning the perils of annoying scratches.
The interplay of polished and fine-brushed surfaces is an endearing characteristic common to all modern-day Carrera references. In order to juxtapose two contrasting finishes, ensuring crisp delineation between both, is technically challenging and time-consuming. However, TAG Heuer is clearly up to the task.
Similar to ‘regular’ Carrera Chronographs, this watch is equipped with a sapphire caseback, albeit in this instance it sports a depiction of a rabbit in bright red tones.
Calibre Heuer o2 automatic
The watch is fitted with the Calibre Heuer 02 automatic, an in-house movement crafted in the Swiss marque’s Chevenez facility. This fully integrated chronograph movement features a column wheel and vertical coupling. The chronograph seconds hand leaves the starting gate without any discernible wobble and the pushpieces operate with a velvety action. Assuming the mainspring is fully wound, the watch will run autonomously for 80 hours.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Rabbit is presented on a black calfskin strap, enriched with contrasting stitching and paired with a steel folding clasp. Finally, the Maison has chosen to house this model in a ‘special box’, once again encompassing gold and red hues.
A design destined to look good for many years to come
Over the years, several brands have produced watches marking the Chinese New Year. Some examples, rich in artistic details, have proved popular, while others have been difficult to love. In this instance, contrary to how it may sound, this latest timepiece from TAG Heuer is both attractive and tasteful. Moreover, with the quality of the components employed, it promises a notable quotient of longevity and an aesthetic allure that should not diminish with the onset of years.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Rabbit
- Reference: BN2A1L.FC6521
- Case: stainless steel; diameter 44mm, water resistance 10ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front; exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: Calibre Heuer 02, automatic movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), 33 jewels; power reserve = 80 hours
- Strap: black calfskin strap with contrasting stitching. Steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons
- Price: £5,800 (RRP as of 17.11.2022)
- Limited Edition: 500 pieces