TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing Watch Review
The TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing is the latest co-branded chronograph from the high-end Swiss watch brand. Since the two luxury firms signed a partnership agreement in 2021, the relationship has proved very fruitful for all concerned. Angus Davies, a self-confessed Porschefile with a passion for watchmaking, looks at this citrus-toned chronograph encased in black DLC steel and shares his thoughts.
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Watch
In February 2021, two iconic brands stood shoulder to shoulder and announced to the world a new partnership. TAG Heuer and Porsche were now happily wed, embarking on a new future together, working closely on joint initiatives and products.
Heuer – Carrera, Monaco and Monza
While many watch firms have courted car marques and vice-versa, few Maisons have the motorsport pedigree of TAG Heuer. Indeed, the Carrera, Monaco and Monza were conceived amidst octane-rich air, close to the pit lane and masterminded to the accompaniment of high-revving engines. Look into Heuer’s past (TAG Heuer’s former name) and you will discover the firm made the Centigraph, an electronic timing system beloved by the Formula One fraternity. Back in the 70s, the Heuer logo featured in the film Le Mans and appeared on the nose cone of the blood-red Formula One cars, much loved by the Tifosi.
TAG Heuer x Porsche – Carrera name
When it comes to naming their products, both TAG Heuer and Porsche have produced offspring bearing the Carrera name. No other watch or car brand can make this claim. Perhaps it was written in the stars that the two garland-loving companies, one based in La Chaux-de-Fonds and the other in Stuttgart, would ultimately collaborate.
It wasn’t long after the union was announced to the world that new models were unveiled, including the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Special Edition as well Connected models.
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Limited Edition
In 2022, the Swiss marque released two limited edition watches, the TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 and the TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Limited Edition. This latter watch was equipped with a chronograph, a speciality of the house, dressed in black DLC steel and enlivened with yellow accents. Limited to 1500 pieces, this model is sadly no longer available. It would appear the model clearly resonated with Porsche devotees and horophiles alike.
TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph Special Edition
Now, the Swiss avant-garde brand has unveiled a new co-branded reference for 2023, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing. Like its older, limited edition sibling of 2022, it is housed in a black DLC steel case measuring 44 mm. Furthermore, it also uses the same Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic (more on that later) and is fitted with a dial appointed with three counters and a date display.
Porsche orange
However, on the new, fresh-faced watch, numerous splashes of orange supplant the yellow accents of the former model. But don’t be fooled, this new model is not merely the product of a ‘find/replace’ approach. Each counter is framed in orange with the hue repeated on the hands of the counters, located at 3 and 9 o’clock. The centre of each counter is now snailed, not grained as before, while the main dial epidermis now features a vertical brushed finish. An orange circlet now delineates the central area of the dial from the flange. The bezel is emblazoned with the name ‘Porsche’ in orange, but the bold colour does not appear elsewhere on the bezel, ensuring readability remains beyond reproach.
Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic
The similarities between cars and watches are not lost on the respective companies. A dial is reminiscent of the bonnet/grille on a car, serving as the face of a watch. The case is similar to the body of a car, especially when viewed from the side. But, of all the potential associations between cars and watches, nothing equals the comparisons made between engines and movements. While Porsche will forever be associated with the throaty rumble of a flat six, TAG Heuer is becoming increasingly known for its Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic. This fully integrated chronograph movement features a vertical coupling and column-wheel arrangement and, assuming the tank is full, will run autonomously for 80 hours.
When the chronograph is actuated, the central chronograph seconds hand glides away without any hesitation or hint of a wobble. Moreover, when pressing the pushpieces the wearer is indulged with a smooth action devoid of jerkiness. The openworked oscillating weight is designed to emulate a Porsche steering wheel, while the orange coloured column-wheel repeats the eponymous theme.
A rear-mounted Porsche flat-six
Once you’ve driven, or better still owned a Porsche, you will always recognise the soundtrack of a Swabian thoroughbred driving by. Indeed, the affection for the Stuttgart-based brand never wanes. To date, TAG Heuer has chosen iconic Porsche colours for its co-branded models, including Speed Yellow, Mexico Blue, Guards Red and, now, Signal Orange. As a Porsche devotee, I hope to see more iterations of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche in Lime Green, Light Ivory, etc. Irrespective of whichever TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche watch you select, rest assured, just like a 911, it will have a great engine revving at the rear.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing
- Reference: CBN2A1M.FC6526
- Case: black DLC steel, diameter 44 mm, water resistance 10ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front; exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
- Movement: Calibre Heuer 02, automatic movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 33 jewels; power reserve 80 hours
- Strap: soft touch, textured black calfskin leather strap with orange lining Back DLC steel folding clasp with double safety push buttons
- Price: £5,850 (RRP as of 10.2.2023)