Editor’s note: This is our 500th post! Like you, we are also excited for the new releases from various brands in 2022. Before we get to go hands-on with those, here’s our short preview and the Gut Reaction Review (Grr…) of a special timepiece released last year, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T Limited Edition. For our standard detailed hands-on reviews, please head to our dedicated reviews section here.
Gut Reaction
In March last year, TAG Heuer added a limited edition timepiece to their ‘affordable’ tourbillon collection that saw its genesis in 2016. I say affordable because for only 14’900 Swiss francs (~22’500 AUD) one got a COSC-certified tourbillon from a premium Swiss watch maker. Back then, it was perhaps the least expensive offering in its category, though since much advancement has been made with watches like Horage Tourbillon 1 coming to mind.
I understand it’s not for everyone, but to give credit where due, regardless of this versions’s increased pricing of 20’500 Swiss francs (30’400 AUD) — I guess the new titanium bracelet and adjustment for inflation might do that — the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T with the in-house calibre Heuer 02 is still a major contender for value for money Swiss tourbillons. And it doesn’t hurt that it looks so darned good too.
Basic Specifications of the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T
The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T is presented as a 45mm diameter and 16.23mm thick grade 5 polished and brushed titanium case with a decent 100m water-resistance.
Even though the almost 53mm lug-to-lug spacing (and 22mm lug interhorn spacing) does make it a timepiece for those with larger wrists, I appreciate the sizing as it allows for the dial to be relatively clutter free and visually easily to digest both the chronograph and flying tourbillon sub-dials.
Inside ticks the 31mm diameter skeletonized Calibre Heuer 02T COSC movement that features 33 rubies, beats at the standard frequency of 4Hz, and provides with a welcome 65-hour power reserve.
For the first time, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T reference CAR5A8C.BF0707 comes on a complementing grade 2 H-shape titanium bracelet with a grade 2 titanium and and steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons.
That’s All Folks!
I appreciate the beauty of the blue dial and the readability of the timepiece as a whole. There is also a certain symmetrical balance to the dial with the perfect spacing between the three counters. The inclusion of azurage treatment to the 3 and 6’o clock counters adds finesse to the dial, and the use of rhodium plated and polished appliqué indices and hands guarantees legibility.
The blue theme of the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T Limited Edition of 250-pieces is what sets this apart from its predecessors. A more versatile offering, this version masterfully features blue in various parts of the design, beautifully integrating the colour: the sun-ray effect blue on the dial sets the tone, with the colour repeating itself on the ceramic tachymetric bezel, tourbillon, crown, pushers, and also the case-back with a PVD-coated rotor.
On the whole, if you are in the market for Swiss made tourbillon with a versatile appeal, you can’t go wrong with the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T.
To find out more about the Carrera Heuer 02T and their other watches, please head to their website here. All images unless stated otherwise are courtesy ©TAG Heuer/ © TAG Heuer Brand of LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA – 2021
