The source of inspiration: a historic gold watch gifted to Ronnie Peterson.

In May 2016, TAG Heuer decided that a historically significant watch for the company should be housed in the brand's museum, and purchased a model auctioned by Sotheby's, which Jack Heuer had given Swedish racing driver Ronnie Peterson as a gift.

The museum's collection welcomed the gold Ref. 1158 CHN model — the watch brand's answer to a gold medal of sorts, given to the best autosports stars.  A few watch series intended for outstanding drivers were released in gold cases that varied in shape. For instance, the watch for Peterson made in 1972 had an Autavia case.

In 2018, TAG Heuer offered their own watch at an auction held by Bonham's, created as a unique re-edition of the racing driver's model — another gold chronograph with a golden champagne dial and black counters. The watch went under the hammer for EUR 85,000.

As part of the celebrations to mark the Carrera's 60th anniversary, the designers at TAG Heuer couldn't resist revisiting this gold "reverse panda", and created a new gold chronograph. It's also just as close to the historic Ref. 1158 CHN and novelties from the same year.

The color scheme remains true to the model from 1972, but the gilded dial is now protected by the domed sapphire crystal Glassbox — one of the discoveries made by the designers this year and used in the 2023 anniversary models.

The sapphire crystal curves towards the edge of the dial, creating a smooth transition into the case, mirroring the shape of the historic round hesalite glass. The watch's technical contents have also been taken to the next level. Inside the 39-mm case is the TH20-00 movement. It's a honed version of the Heuer 02 that's been named TH20-00.

It was presented in spring by TAG Heuer's Movement Director Carole Forestier-Kasapi. Forestier-Kasapi joined TAG Heuer in spring 2020, where she reworked the Heuer 02 workhorse.

She'd already made a name for herself at Renaud et Papi, and as head of Cartier's watch movement department, where she oversaw the creation of 30 calibers. The present movement with its reworked skeletonized rotor, column wheel, vertical clutch, and bidirectional winding system has an 80-hour power reserve.