The last "purist" among Heuer Carrera's? Discover the 1964 Re-Edition models.

Chronograph Roots since 1911

Believe it or not, Heuer was linked to chronographs & timers since 1911. After inventing the "Time of Trip", a chronograph installation within automotive & aircraft panels. So where does the story of Carrera begin? Let's take a deeper dive together.

Story of danger and adrenaline

First introduced in 1963, the Heuer Carrera was designed by Jack Heuer himself, who was inspired by the exciting world of motorsport and the daredevil drivers who competed in it. Some may not know of the highly dangerous Carrera Panamericana border-to-border sedan rally racing event on open roads in Mexico. Believed to be the most dangerous race of any type in the world. The contest ran from 1950 to 1954. This might give you a clue where the famous "Carrera" name is derived from. In Spanish, translated for ("race" and "career"). The watch quickly gained a reputation for its precision, reliability, and bold design, and it has remained a popular choice for watch enthusiasts and racing fans ever since.

V Carrera Panamericana, Mexico, 1954

 Heuer Carrera Ref 2447 S from 1963 with an Eggshell dial 1st Exec Dial & Hands | courtesy of heuerworld.com

Legendary watch for racing enthusiasts

However, where the story heightens for the known racing pedigree of Heuer is during the Le Mans. The watch has been worn by legendary drivers such as Jo Siffert, Clay Regazzoni, and Niki Lauda. If these names don't ring a bell...Steve McQueen might. He took the inspiration to wear a Heuer from Siffert himself in the movie Le mans. This is not all that happened in the actual race of Le Mans, Heuer found themselves on the wrists of two Ferrari drivers who really fell in love with the watches. Naturally, they would go and sell these timepieces to the team. Might be by coincidence but this is how Heuer got their feet in to later work out a deal and be a timing partner with Ferrari. From a marketing perspective, it worked out pretty amazingly since Heuer did not have a huge budget to advertise the watches worldwide. At the time, Heuer was occupied making the world’s first self-winding chronograph at the time - the Calibre 11 automatic chronograph.

Jack is for a reason known for his simplistic design and very legible dials. They may look complicated in theory for a "chronograph" but Jack Heuer was aware that these tools are to be used in racing, bearing that in mind they should be legible no matter what.

That is exactly what you get with Carrera's and with a lot of other models designed by the old Heuer. I will explain why I say "old" very soon. In my humble opinion, this is the true form and heritage roots of what the "HEUER" The Carrera line is undoubtedly among one the most iconic chronograph's ever.

The Carrera line was discontinued after Heuer was acquired by Technique Avant Garde (TAG) in the 1980s. Nonetheless, in the mid-1990s, something happened. As part of the anniversary of the brand Heuer, 5 models were unveiled at the Grand Prix of Italy in Monza in 1996 to commemorate this occasion. Some may argue that these 5 models are the last and most faithful re-issues one may ask for. Currently, TAG Heuer is currently owned by the Swiss luxury goods group LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE). LVMH acquired TAG Heuer since 1999 and it is now part of their Watches and Jewelry division, which includes other luxury watch brands such as Zenith and Hublot.

       Heuer Carrera Ref CS3110 Re-issue on aftermarket beads-of-rice, this particular model was inspired by Carrera Ref 2447 P 

 

   Carrera CS3111 Re-Edition inspired by Carrera Ref 2447 N, courtesy of tropicalwatch.com

Carrera CS3112 Re-Edition in an interesting salmon dial. courtesy of  sothebys.com

 Carrera CS3113 Re-Edition with the a small distinction known as "Daytona Rings' on the subdials, courtesy 1stdibs.com

Carrera CS3140 Re-Edition, with a solid 18k Gold case, courtesy of tropicalwatch.com

Recently, Tag Heuer has been releasing some re-issues in different dial combinations, some of which are really beautiful I have to admit. Keeping in touch with the vintage theme. Equipped with automatic movements and thicker cases of 14+mm and 39mm case diameter. These 2 factors would be the only drawback from a purist standpoint. They don't feel the same as the vintage models.

What's missing is just that X-Factor that is so nostalgic about a pure 60's chronograph. There are some things that are meant to be the way they are and not played around with. One of the key specs that make the Carrera such a classic is the original 36mm case. For some, a 36mm case might sound too small. The longer iconic straight lugs make the watch wear larger than on paper. Those strong, angular lines that make the case alone a piece of art to behold, and even a greater joy to wear on the wrist. Why? It makes the watch more asymmetrical. Symmetry can be crucial for a watch design for several reasons. 

Aesthetic appeal: Symmetry is often considered visually pleasing and can create a sense of balance and harmony in a design. In watch design, this can make the watch more attractive to the wearer and enhance its overall appeal.

 Tradition: Symmetry is a common design element in traditional watchmaking. Many classic and formal watch designs rely on symmetry to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication.

 

       The gorgeous case profile of CS3111 Re-Edition model | courtesy of tropicalwatch.com

FINAL WORD