Thor Svaboe
I'll bet many people weren’t even aware of the name o2T, and that's a big credit to TAG Heuer. It takes guts to downplay the micro-wonders of the mythical tourbillon, swirling slowly inside its cage at 6 o'clock. While we daily see references with less dazzle but 10 words to their model designation, here it's simply the Heuer 02 calibre we know, with a very quietly spoken T, in the revamped TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer o2T.This understatement is in direct contrast to the clean-cut opening at the base of the dial, a small haute horologerie marvel peeking out at us fixed by a navy blue cage. The 250 pieces of what is the pinnacle of TAG Heuer's Carrera range has been upgraded with a razor-sharp titanium version of their larger sports case, and a formal, dark tone of blue befitting its stature.We will absolutely forgive TAG Heuer for using a rather large 45mm case, as we remember that this is a self-winding chronograph movement with a flying tourbillon, a big heart for even a large case.But wouldn't you agree that here it is absolutely worth every extra millimetre, in a case that seems even a bit more blocky and angular than its sporty Carrera 44mm siblings. Weaponised and sharp, the lugs jut out of the round titanium case, clean-cut and brushed. The fact that all main parts of the case are satin-brushed only underlines the intense experience of the flying tourbillon, here framed with a sandblasted matte titanium opening, blue cage and central ruby offering a small but delicate touch of colour. The rest of the dial is a smooth sun-ray finish, intricate details on the registers echoing the layered look of the dial with its angled blocks for indices, framed by a steeply angled rehaut, and a smooth, deep blue ceramic tachy bezel.The quiet confidence of this bold grade 5 titanium sports watch speaks volumes for the technical focus at TAG Heuer. I am quietly impressed by their use of the flying tourbillon as a piece of engineering, meant to sharpen the already accurate automatic movement, not dazzle guests at a cocktail party. Kudos to TAG Heuer, and a mark of respect for the Carrera's iconic past in what is their tour de force.The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer o2T, price and availability:The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer o2T is a limited series of 250, and is available for $30,400 AUD
26.03.21