Carrera 2020. Lessons in History from TAG Heuer

It's hard to pinpoint the exact date when TAG Heuer's legendary Carrera collection was born. Its history could be traced back to its launch at Basel Fair (now Baselworld) in 1963, or back to the beginning of 1962, when Jack Heuer first heard about the Carrera Panamericana Mexico Road Race.

What's more important is that its glorious history still lives on today. The collection was forgotten for more than a decade, and was only given a new lease on life with the first re-edition in 1996. This year's collection celebrates the manufacture's 160th anniversary. "Forever chasing tomorrow" is the new Carrera 2020 campaign slogan, yet the four new chronographs presented in September evoke feelings of nostalgia as soon as you set eyes on them.

The first model from 1963 is brought to mind. Come to think of it, a striking novelty with a silver dial was also released back in January to mark the anniversary, with no bold counters, just slightly sunken ones like the original watch. In July, the 2020 anniversary celebrations continued with the release of chronographs with a tachymeter scale on the bezel. These watches also sport slightly recessed counters.

The four newcomers this fall present a surprising combination. The counters at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock are made in the same style as this year's other new releases, but there are hardly any markings for the small seconds on the counter at 6 o'clock.

The absence of a chunky external bezel and doing away with the tachymeter scale are both nods to the original prototype. Compared to the watches that debuted in July, the chronograph's push-pieces are also more similar to the ones on the Carrera 1963 model.

TAG Heuer Carrera does boast a number of future-orientated specs. The first of these components is the chronograph's race-inspired "engine", the familiar automatic manufacture Heuer 02 movement, with a power reserve of over 80 hours. It's the brand's most modern development! Its rotor is a distinctive rose gold color, which contrasts perfectly with the 42 mm steel case.

Secondly, the black and blue dial editions (there are also editions with anthracite and silver dials) are complemented by a new beautifully polished and satin-finished stainless steel H-shaped link bracelet. The result is a modern watch for everyday wear in 2020, and an elegant timepiece that evokes fond memories of the past.