FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Heuer Carrera Heuer02 Chronograph (160th Anniversary Edition)

CBK221B.FC6479

As we all know, TAG Heuer (or 'Uhrenmanufaktur Heuer AG' as it was then) was founded in 1860, and as such 2020 represents the brand's 160th year. As it happens, the other day I was reading an old copy of QP Magazine from 2010 and in it there was an article about the 150th anniversary and the re-issue of the Heuer Silverstone in two dial colours (limited to 1860 pieces of each). Alongside those they also released a very limited (150 pieces) black/orange Grand Carrera Calibre 17 Chronograph which came in a very impressive box with a Meridiist mobile phone (wonder how many of those are still in use?).

In addition, Google suggests that there was also a Calibre 16 Carrera made in a limited run of 300 pieces with blue detailing, which I must admit I rather like the look of... although I'm sure it won't be everyone's cup of tea:

So as the calendar turned to the next decade, thoughts inevitably turned to this anniversary year and what goodies it might bring. Given the propensity of Monacos launched last year for the model's 50th anniversary, it seemed entirely inevitable to me that the release would be a Carrera, and so it transpired... at least they didn't keep us waiting long.

Regular readers will no doubt be aware that this side of TAG Heuer is not my bag, and I'm not going to be churlish and sit here and slate the watch simply because it doesn't appeal to me. However, historical relevance aside I will say that I find silver on silver on silver the least exciting of all watch schemes (and that applies to my 6000 Chronograph just as much as it does the CBK211B or any other watch for that matter) and while I still detest the faux aged lume that TAG Heuer insist on using on various watches these days, at least here it is more in keeping with the overall 'vintage' style and somewhat sparingly applied... but still, please stop using it. I can't help feeling when this fad is over these watches will be looked back on less than favourably...

On a more positive note this watch will be powered by TAG Heuer's in-house 'Heuer 02' movement with a special '160th Anniversary' rotor (curiously emblazoned with the 'TAG Heuer' logo even though the movement is branded 'Heuer') which will be visible through a clear display back. The model will also be limited and marked '1 of 1860' on the edge of the caseback. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say most people would prefer the old way of numbering limited editions, but it is what it is and it's cheaper to do it this way so unfortunately I don't see it changing anytime soon.

On the Calibre11 forum this new Carrera does seem to be finding favour with the people it's really aimed at, which is good; although there do seem to be some reservations about the thickness required to house the movement versus the 39mm diameter, especially with the domed sapphire crystal 'glass box' which adds another few millimeters.

Obviously this is a very specific style of watch which is aimed at a very specific customer, I just hope this is the start of a range of releases to celebrate the 160th anniversary and I hope that some of those releases will be more 'contemporary' in style and perhaps extending beyond the rather overworked Carrera range. That's probably wishful thinking though, probably the best we can hope for is some sort of Autavia and a Carrera Heuer 02 skeleton. But I guess we'll have to wait and see...

The CBK211B retails in the UK for £5250 and is allegedly available around June 2020.


Other opinions are available:

CALIBRE11
https://www.calibre11.com/first-look-2020-tag-heuer-carrera-160-years-silver-limited-edition-ref-cbk221b/

FRATELLO WATCHES
https://www.fratellowatches.com/hot-take-tag-heuer-carrera-160-years-silver-limited-edition/

WORN AND WOUND
https://wornandwound.com/tag-heuer-celebrates-160-years-with-the-tag-heuer-carrera-160-years-silver-limited-edition/

WATCHONISTA
https://www.watchonista.com/articles/novelties/lvmh-watch-week-introducing-tag-heuer-carrera-160-years-silver-limited-edition

MONOCHROME WATCHES
https://monochrome-watches.com/tag-heuer-carrera-160-years-silver-limited-edition-introducing-price/

HODINKEE
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/tag-heuer-carrera-160-years-silver-limited-edition-introducing

REVOLUTION WATCH
https://www.revolution.watch/tag-heuer-carrera-160-years-silver-limited-edition/