Borna Bosnjak
Die-hard fans of any hobby are often the hardest to please, but even the most hardcore WIS seem to have softened to the prospect of TAG Heuer. Since Frederic Arnault took up the reins in 2020, the brand has displayed a refreshingly clear sense of direction and one that was much needed. 2023 was an important year, as the Carrera – a model that lays rightful claim to the term iconic – celebrated its 60th anniversary. To pay tribute, TAG Heuer introduced the brand-new Glassbox, and it’s been a much-needed breath of fresh air – there’s a reason why two of the five picks from today’s list sport the 39mm Glassbox case. Further refinements followed with a slimmer time-only Carrera, some fun twists on the equally iconic Monaco, and a more everyday-friendly Solargraph. Here’s a short recap of our favourites.TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox Gold(In)directly referencing the cult classic ref. 1158 CHN, the gold panda Glassbox is a truly stunning watch and a fitting tribute to the watches gifted to racing drivers by none other than Jack Heuer himself. This isn’t a subtle watch, and yet, it manages to retain a stealth opulence you wouldn’t expect from 39mm of solid yellow gold surrounding an equally-as-gold dial. The domed crystal curves over the steep rehaut which has been given a metal flake finish akin to that of car paint, really driving home the motoring inspiration.BrandTAG HeuerModelCarrera ChronographReference NumberCBS2240.FC8319Case Dimensions39mm (D) x 13.9mm (T) x 46mm (L2L)Case Material18k 3N yellow goldWater Resistance100 metresDialYellow gold-plated vertical brushed dial, black snailed subdialsCrystal(s)Box-domed sapphire front and sapphire casebackStrapPerforated black calfskin with yellow gold pin buckleMovementTH20-00, in-house, automatic, column-wheel chronographPower Reserve80 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, running small seconds, date, chronographAvailabilityAvailable nowPriceA$31,150TAG Heuer Carrera SkipperFrom a classy tribute to a modern re-issue, TAG Heuer also chose the Glassbox case to revive the Skipper. The original was the product of a long-term partnership with then-outdoorsy outfitters Abercrombie & Fitch and friendship with president Walter Haynes. To celebrate the victory of the?Intrepid?in the America’s Cup of 1967 (the crew of which were equipped with Heuer-Aquastar-branded yacht timers), Heuer produced a limited run of Skippers with the now-recognisable segmented minute totaliser. The modern variant pays close homage to the original which also sported a Carrera case, though is sized up to the Glassbox’s 39mm and now features a three-register layout, even though TAG Heuer does their best to hide that running seconds at 6 o’clock.BrandTAG HeuerModelCarrera SkipperCase Dimensions39mm (D) x 13.9mm (T) x 46mm (L2L)Case MaterialStainless steelWater Resistance100mDialBlue Skipper' dialCrystal(s)Box-domed sapphire front and sapphire casebackStrapBlue fabric strap with two-button folding claspMovementTH20-00, in-house, automatic, column-wheel chronographPower Reserve80 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, running small seconds, date, chronographAvailabilityAvailable nowPriceA$9,800Carrera Date in pinkAnd we’re not done with the Carrera yet. With all the fanfare surrounding the Glassbox, a possibly underrated release this year has to be the Carrera Date, and not thanks to its bright pink colouring. Not only did these impress me with their overall build quality for the price (that snailed sunburst dial and applied indices are really nice), but the way the case wears on smaller wrists like mine (6.25in/15cm) is fantastic. The Calibre 7 movement inside is based on the ETA 2892/Sellita SW300, a more premium offering when compared to the 2824/SW200, meaning nicer decoration, and more importantly – slenderness. The Carrera Date measures in at 10mm in thickness, which is a sweet spot for a GADA watch like this.BrandTAG HeuerModelCarrera Date 36mmReference NumbersWBN2313.BA0001Case Dimensions36mm (D) x 10mm (T) x 41.6mm (L2L)Case MaterialStainless steelWater Resistance50 metresDialSnailed sunburst pinkCrystal(s)Sapphire front and backStrapStainless steel H-link bracelet with folding claspMovementCalibre 7, ETA 2892 basePower Reserve56 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, dateAvailabilityAvailable nowPriceA$4,600TAG Heuer Monaco Night DriverMost brands would be happy with just one iconic watch in their line-up – and then there’s TAG Heuer. While 2023 has certainly been the Carrera party, the brand didn’t forget to pay attention to its other?legendary chronograph. I’m talking about the Monaco, of course, and more specifically, the lume-tastic Night Driver. With a monochromatic colour scheme, the visual interest comes courtesy of those light grey tones of the sub-registers and round dial perimeter, lighting up in icy turquoise after dark. The rest of the specs are the same as you’ve become accustomed to – a brawny 39mm titanium case housing the Heuer 02 column wheel calibre.BrandTAG HeuerModelMonaco Chronograph Night DriverReference NumberCBL2181.FC6515Case Dimensions39mm (D) x 14.7mm (T) x 47.4mm (LTL)Case MaterialDLC grade 5 titaniumWater Resistance100 metresCrystal(s)Domed and bevelled sapphire front, sapphire casebackDialAnthracite with lumed outerLug Width22mmStrapBlack calfskin with DLC grade 5 titanium claspMovementHeuer 02, in-house, automatic, column-wheel chronographPower Reserve80 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronographAvailabilityLimited to 600 piecesPriceA$13,800TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph in stainless steelWhile it certainly didn’t make as many headlines as the Glassbox, the new steel Solargraph models may just be the most compelling new offering from TAG Heuer. The carbon and titanium-cased Solargraphs were excellent heralds of a new dawn for the Aquaracer, but it’s these steel-cased models with subtle blue and black dials that I see making it to the wrists of the masses. The price point is an approachable one for a brand that is aspirational to many, and the convenience of solar charging shouldn’t be understated – if you’re going to make it quartz, may as well make it solar.BrandTAG HeuerModelAquaracer Professional 200 SolargraphCase Dimensions40mm (D) X 11.5mm (T) X 47mm (Ltl)Case MaterialStainless steelWater Resistance200 metres, screw-down crownDialSunray black or blueCrystalSapphire crystalStrapStainless steel bracelet, double pusher folding claspMovementTAG Heuer x La Joux-Perret TH50-00, solarPower ReserveSix months or 3.5 years in power-saving modeFunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, dateAvailabilityAvailable nowPriceA$3,400
13.12.23