When you think of 'TAG Heuer' it's hard not to follow that thought with 'Carrera'. Though the model has morphed (some might say 'mutated') into products that the Heuer purists decry as 'not a Carrera', the fact is the range is now so vast and varied that the word Carrera brings to mind many different things to many different people.
But this is nothing new, look back through the history books and you might be surprised to find that not all Heuer Carreras featured long elegant lugs, and with the sizes of watches increasing over the years there came a point where it was no longer practical to maintain what some consider the range's defining feature.
I can agree that the Connected Smartwatch should never really have been called a Carrera though, but I think this was more because of the the modular nature of the early models which could be used with Carrera 'modules' containing Calibre 5, 16 and H02T movements. I'm not that au fait with the Connected range since I'm not really into smart watches but I presume they are no longer using the Carrera branding, I don't suppose there's any reason for them to now since the 'Connected' name has established itself pretty firmly and there are no more mechanical 'modules'.
And so we come to the long delayed/anticipated/expected (delete as appropriate) 'History of the TAG Heuer Carrera' which I feel like I've been promising forever and honestly has become a bit of a millstone round my neck. This has been the biggest single project I have ever undertaken for the blog and one which I commenced about two years ago if I'm not mistaken. Not that I've been working on it non-stop of course, truthfully there was a six month break in the middle when I just got so bogged down in the endlessness of it all. But, I came back to it, determined to finish it and so the first part at least is ready.
Originally the idea was to post all seven parts together in one week, but I actually thought this would be quite boring for you guys and since the posts will be linked to each other and also accessible from the 'History' menu, it doesn't actually matter if they are posted consecutively or not.
So, okay, here we go... finally
NB - All watches are mechanical unless otherwise noted.
1996 CARRERA CATALOGUE
Hard to believe considering the role the Carrera now plays in the TAG Heuer catalogue, but by 1996 the Carrera had been out of production for more than a decade. But now TAG Heuer decided to bring the model back and as they did with the Monaco, the initial releases featured 'Heuer' logos on the dial, making these very desirable to the vintage enthusiast and very collectable.
CS3111.BC0726: 36mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black perforated leather strap
CS3140.BC0727: 36mm, silver dial, gold bezel and case, black leather strap
1999 NON-CATALOGUE WATCHES
Just one non-catalogue watch to report here, a Franco Baresi (Italian footballer) signed CS3111.
CS3110.BC0726*: 36mm, special silver dial, steel bezel/case, black perf strap (L/E)
2000 CATALOGUE / 2000 RE-EDITION CATALOGUE
2000 saw a modest expansion of the range - unfortunately I haven't been able to find pictures of every watch/strap combination.
CS3113.BC0726: 36mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
WS2111.BC0726: 36mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
WS2111.BC0795: 36mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap (no pic)
WS2112.BC0726: 36mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
WS2112.BC0795: 36mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap
WS2113.BC7026: 36mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black perf leather strap (no pic)
WS2113.BC0795: 36mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap (no pic)
2002 CATALOGUE
After just a couple of years TAG Heuer decided to rejig the Carrera line, deciding the model should now wear the TAG Heuer badge. Personally for me, not an issue, but unfortunately a problem for lots of future collectors...
CV2111.FC6182: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV2113.FC6182: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
WV2112.FC6170: 36mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV5011.FC6191: 41mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap (L/E) (Chr)
2004 CATALOGUE / 40TH ANNIVERSARY CATALOGUE
TAG Heuer celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Carrera a year late because no one remembered to write down when the watch was released. I'm not even joking. But on the upside they finally released what might be called the first 'modern' interpretation of the Carrera, pretty cool they were too. Perhaps this would have been a better place to start using the TAG Heuer logo?
CV2011.BA0786: 41mm, silver dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2110.FC6180: 39mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV2115.FC6185: 39mm, mother of pearl dial, steel bezel and case, tan strap
CV2116.FC6186: 39mm, mother of pearl dial, diamond bezel, steel case, brown leather strap
CV2117.FC6182: 39mm, silver panda dial, stee bezel and case, black leather strap (L/E)
WV211B.BA0787: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
WV2116.FC6181: 39mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap (GMT)
WV2115.FC6181: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap (GMT)
WV5140.FC8159: 39mm, white dial, gold bezel and case, black leather strap
WV5141.FC8159: 39mm, white dial, gold bezel and case, black leather strap (L/E)
2005 CATALOGUE
The Carrera is starting to gather steam and TAG Heuer stokes the fires with yet more pieces, including some high end models featuring the Calibre 360 movement.
CV2010.FC6205: 41mm, black dial. black bezel ins, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV2011.FC6205: 41mm, silver dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV2015.BA0786: 41mm, blue dial, blue bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2016.BA0786: 41mm, black dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2111.FC6180: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV5040.FC8160: 41mm, silver dial, white gold bezel and case, black strap (L/E) (Chr)
CV5080.FT6007: 41mm, black/silver dial, titanium bezel/case, black rubber strap (L/E)
WV211A.FC6203: 39mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap
WV211B.FC6202: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
WV2115.BA0787: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (GMT)
WV2115.FC6180: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap (GMT)
WV2115.FC6182: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap (GMT)
WV2116.BA0787: 39mm, silver dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (GMT)
WV2116.FC6180: 39mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap (GMT)
2005 NON-CATALOGUE WATCHES
WV211C.BA0787: 39mm, special blue dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (L/E)
CV2013.FC6206: 41mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap
Just three non-catalogue watches for 2005, including a cool blue 'Jeff Gordon' LE of 4000 pieces. Kinda shows you how things have changed that a 4000pce watch could ever be considered 'limited'.
CV2118.FC6182: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel/case, black perf strap (L/E)
CV2012.BA0786: 41mm, special green dial, black ins, steel bezel/case and bracelet (L/E)
2006/2007 CATALOGUE
Nothing too exciting to report from this catalogue, just general variations on existing references.
CV2014.BA0786: 41mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2014.FT6007: 41mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel and case, rubber strap
CV2017.BA0786: 41mm, silver dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2017.FC6205: 41mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV2113.FC6180: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV5041.FC8164: 41mm, black dial, rose gold bezel and case, black strap (L/E) (Chr)
WV215B.BD0788: 39mm, gold dial, gold bezel, two tone case and bracelet
WV2210.BA0790: 36mm, silver dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
WV2211.BA0790: 36mm, black dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
WV2250.BD0791: 36mm, silver dial, gold bezel, two tone case and bracelet
WV2251.BD0791: 36mm, gold dial, gold bezel, two tone case and bracelet
2007/2008 CATALOGUE & PRICE LIST
Quite a lot of diamonds on display in this catalogue, and unusually they are adorning the bezel of the 39mm Carreras (which are also presented on some 'imaginative' strap options).
CV2115.FC6180: 39mm, mother of pearl dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV2115.FC6186: 39mm, mother of pearl dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap
CV2116.FC6180: 39mm, mother of pearl dial, diamond bezel, black leather strap
CV2116.FC6185: 39mm, mother of pearl dial, diamond bezel, cream leather strap
WV211D.FC6180: 39mm, mother of pearl dial, steel bezel and case,
WV2116.FC6182: 39mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap (GMT)
WV2411.BA0793: 27mm, mother of pearl/dia dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
WV2412.BA0793: 27mm, black/dia dial, diamond bezel, steel case and bracelet
2007 NON-CATALOGUE WATCHES
Just one non-catalogue watch to report here, a limited edition of ten pieces specially made for the Tempus ‘Temple of Time’ Exhibition in 2007.
CV5013.FC6232: 41mm, black dial, black PVD coated bezel/case, black leather strap (L/E)
2008/2009 CATALOGUE & 2008 MOTOR RACING CATALOGUE
CV2A10.BA0796: 43mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet
While at first glance it looks like a lot of new 41mm pieces, in actual fact a lot of this is TAG Heuer replacing the BA0786 bracelet with the updated BA0794. Also in this catalogue TAG Heuer launch the first 43mm models.
CV2A10.FC6235: 43mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CV2A11.BA0796: 43mm, silver dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2A12.FC6236: 43mm, brown dial, brown bezel ins, steel bezel and case, brown strap
CV7A11.FT6012: 43mm, silver dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel and case, black rubber (Cal S)
CV2010.BA0794: 41mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2010.FC6233: 41mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel/case, black leather strap
CV2013.BA0794: 41mm, brown dial, brown bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2013.FC6234: 41mm, brown dial, brown bezel ins, steel bezel/case, brown leather strap
CV2014.BA0794: 41mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2014.FT6014: 41mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel/case, black rubber strap
CV2015.BA0794: 41mm, blue dial, blue bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2016.BA0794: 41mm, black dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV2016.FC6233: 41mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
2008 NON-CATALOGUE WATCHES
A few interesting pieces here, four out of five of which are limited editions.
CV201D.BA0786: 41mm, special burgundy dial, steel bezel/case and bracelet (L/E)
CV201F.BA0794: 41mm, special green dial, steel bezel/case and bracelet (L/E)
CV201G.FT6007: 41mm, black dial, black ins, steel bezel/case, black rubber strap (L/E)
CV201J.BA0794: 41mm, black dial, diamond bezel, steel case and bracelet
2009 CATALOGUE
No new models are featured in the 2009 catalogue.
2009 NON-CATALOGUE WATCHES
Just two non-catalogue models here, a 'Pacific Coast Highway' limited edition and an 'Abu Dhabi GP' Calibre S Carrera (also limited edition).
CV201N.BA0794: 41mm, special black dial, black ins, steel bezel/case and bracelet (L/E)
WV1450.BD0797: 27mm, white MOP/dia dial, gold bezel, two tone case and bracelet (Q)
CV2A1A.FC6279: 43mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel and case, black strap (L/E)
CV201P.BA0794: 41mm, black MOP dial, steel bezel/case and bracelet (L/E)
2010/2011 CATALOGUE & 2010 & 2010/2011 PRICE LISTS
Here we see the introduction of the Calibre 1887 movement and also a broadening of the electro-mechanical 'Calibre S' Carrera range.
CAR2111.BA0720: 41mm, silver dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CAR2111.FC6266: 41mm, silver dial, steel bezel/case, black leather strap
CV201M.BA0794: 43mm, grey dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet (L/E)
CV7A10.BA0795: 43mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet (Cal S)
CV7A10.FT6012: 43mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel/case, black rubber (Cal S)
CV7A11.BA0795: 43mm, silver dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet (Cal S)
CV7A12.BA0795: 43mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet (Cal S)
CV7A13.BA0795: 43mm, silver dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet (Cal S)
WV1410.BA0793: 27mm, black/dia dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (Q)
WV1411.BA0793: 27mm, white MOP/dia dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (Q)
WV1414.BA0793: 27mm, black dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (Q)
WV1415.BA0793: 27mm, white MOP dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (Q)
WV1417.BA0793: 27mm, pink MOP/dia dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (Q)
WV2212.BA0798: 36mm, white m.o.p. dial, steel/dia bezel and case, steel bracelet
WV2212.FC6264: 36mm, white m.o.p. dial, steel/dia bezel and case, white leather strap
2010 NON-CATALOGUE WATCHES
TAG Heuer are really starting to ramp up the limited editions now...
CV201S.FC6280: 41mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel and case black strap (L/E)
CV7A15.FC6287: 43mm, black dial, black bezel ins, steel bezel/case, black strap (L/E) (Cal S)
CV201Q.BA0794: 41mm, special black dial, black ins, steel bezel/case and bracelet (L/E)
CV2A14.FC6270: 43mm, special black dial, black ins, steel bezel/case, black strap (L/E)
CV2A16.FC6272: 43mm, black dial, black ins, steel bezel/case, alligator strap (L/E)
CV2A17.FC6235: 43mm, chequered dial, black ins, steel bezel/case, alligator strap (L/E)
2011/2012 CATALOGUE & PRICE LIST
In this catalogue TAG Heuer introduce a new style of Carrera with the part number CAS/WAS, this is a very classic looking model which proves very popular in Japan.
CAR2110.FC6266: 41mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CAR2111.FC6291: 41mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap
CV7A12.FT6012: 43mm, black dial, black insert, steel bezel and case, rubber strap (Cal S)
CAS2110.FC6266: 41mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CAS2111.BA0730: 41mm, silver dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CAS2112.FC6291: 41mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap
CAS2113.BA0730: 41mm, silver dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CAS2150.BD0731: 41mm, silver dial, gold bezel, steel case, two-tone bracelet
CAS2150.FC6291: 41mm, silver dial, gold bezel, steel case, brown leather strap
WAS2110.FC6180: 39mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
WAS2111:BA0732: 39mm, silver dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
WAS2112.FC6181: 39mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap
WAS2113.FC6180: 39mm, silver dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
WAS2140.FC8176: 39mm, silver dial, gold bezel and case, brown leather strap
WAS2150.BD0733: 39mm, silver dial, gold bezel, steel case, two tone bracelet
WAS2151.BD0734: 39mm, silver dial, gold bezel, steel case, two tone bracelet
WV1413.BA0793: 27mm, MOP dial, diamond bezel, steel case and bracelet (Q)
WV2212.FC6302: 36mm, MOP dial, diamond/steel bezel and lugs, black leather strap
WV211N.BA0787: 39mm, brown dial, brown insert, steel bezel, case and bracelet
2011 NON-CATALOGUE WATCHES
Included in this selection we find a Singapore GP Limited Edition with green highlights and a range of 'Ringmaster' watches dedicated to Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Jenson Button.
CAS2114.FC6308: 41mm, special black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap (L/E)
CAR5041.FC8178: 43mm, white/grey dial, gold bezel/case, blk leather strap (Chronometer)
CV201X.BA0794: 41mm, black/blue dial, black insert, steel bezel, case and bracelet (L/E)
CV201Y.BA0794: 41mm, black/red dial, black insert, steel bezel, case and bracelet (L/E)
CV2A1C.FC6272: 43mm, black dial, black ins, steel bezel and case, leather strap (L/E)
CV2A1D.FC6305: 43mm, white dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap (L/E)
CV201AB.BA0794: 41mm, grey dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CV201AC.FC6309: 41mm, special black dial, black ins, steel bezel/case, leather strap (L/E)
2012/2013 CATALOGUE
An expansion of the Calibre 1887 model range which includes limited edition Space-X watches with white dials.
CAR2012.FC6235: 43mm, grey dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CAR2012.FC6236: 43mm, grey dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap
CAR2014.BA0796: 43mm, black dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet
CAR2014.FC6235: 43mm, black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap
CAR2015.BA0796: 43mm, special white dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (L/E)
CAR2015.FC6321: 43mm, special white dial, steel bezel and case, brown leather strap (L/E)
CAR2140.FC8145: 41mm, white dial, gold bezel and case, black leather strap
CAR2141.FC8182: 41mm, grey dial, gold bezel and case, black leather strap
CAR2150.FC6266: 41mm, white dial, gold bezel, two tone case, black leather strap
CV2A1F.FT6063: 43mm, black dial, black ins, steel bezel, case and bracelet (L/E)
CV2A1F.FT6033: 43mm, black dial, black ins, steel bezel and case, black rubber strap
CV2119.BA0722: 41mm, silver/black dial, steel bezel, case and bracelet (L/E)
CV2119.FC6310: 41mm, silver/black dial, steel bezel and case, black leather strap (L/E)
WV1440.FC8179: 27mm, white MOP dial, rose gold bezel and case, white leather strap (Q)
WV1440.FC8181: 27mm, white MOP dial, rose gold bezel and case, black leather strap (Q)
2012 NON-CATALOGUE WATCHES
TAG Heuer was probably reaching the peak of its haute horlogerie period here, but there also emerged the much lauded Heuer SLR (not to be confused with the previously released SLR range).
CAR2112.FC6267: 41mm, brown dial, steel bezel/case, perforated leather strap (L/E)
CAR5A51.FC6331: 47mm, anth dial, rose gold/tantalum case, gator strap (Mikrotourbillons)
CV2A1G.FC6313: 43mm, special anthracite dial, steel bezel/case, grey leather strap (L/E)
CV2A1J.FC6301: 43mm, special dial, black ins, steel bezel/case, black leather strap (L/E)
CV2A18.FC6269: 43mm, black dial, black ins, steel bezel/case, black leather strap (L/E)
CV201AD.FC6233: 41mm, special dial, black ins, steel bezel/case, black perf strap (L/E)
CV201AE.FC6233: 41mm, special dial, black ins, steel bezel/case, black perf strap (L/E)
SPECIAL & LIMITED EDITIONS
CAR2015.BA0796: Space-X Limited Edition - 2012pcs*
CAR2015.FC6321: Space-X Limited Edition - 2012pcs*
CAR2112.FC6267: 300 SLR Limited Edition - 5000pcs
CAR2C10.FC6323: Mikrogirder
CAR5040.FC8177: Mikrograph
CAR5A51.FC6331: Mikrotourbillon S
CAS2114.FC6308: Singapore Grand Prix Limited Edition - 250pcs
CS3110.BC0726*: Franco Baresi Limited Edition - 200pcs
CV2A1A.FC6279: 150th Anniversary Limited Edition - 150pcs
CV2A1C.FC6272: Limited Edition - 400pcs
CV2A1D.FC6305: Limited Edition
CV2A1F.BA0796: Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition
CV2A1F.FT6033: Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition
CV2A1G.FC6313: Mercedes Benz Limited Edition - 125pcs
CV2A1J.FC6301: Goodwood Festival of Speed Limited Edition - 250pcs
CV2A14.FC6270: Mexican Independence 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition
CV2A16.FC6272: Korean Grand Prix Limited Edition - 300pcs
CV2A17.FC6235: UK Limited Edition
CV2A18.FC6269: Malaysian GP Limited Edition - 150pcs
CV201AC.FC6309: India Racing Limited Edition - 200pcs
CV201AD.FC6233: Goodwood Festival of Speed Limited Edition - 250pcs
CV201AE.FC6233: Goodwood Festival of Speed Limited Edition - 250pcs
CV201D.BA0786: Marui Limited Edition - 600pcs
CV201F.BA0794: Great Ocean Road Limited Edition - 600pcs
CV201G.FT6007: Rabat Limited Edition - 350pcs
CV201H.BA0725: Rabat Limited Edition - 100pcs
CV201M.BA0794: Lewis Hamilton Limited Edition - 2500pcs
CV201N.BA0794: Pacific Coast Highway Limited Edition - 500pcs
CV201P.BA0794: Black Mother of Pearl Japanese Limited Edition - 300pcs
CV201Q.BA0794: Toscana Hill Roads Japanese Limited Edition - 577pcs
CV201S.FC6280: 150th Anniversary Limited Edition - 300pcs
CV201V.BA0794: Lewis Hamilton: Ringmaster Limited Edition - 500pcs
CV201X.BA0794: Jenson Button: Ringmaster Limited Edition - 500pcs
CV201Y.BA0794: Alain Prost: Ringmaster Limited Edition - 350pcs
CV2012.BA0786: Highlands of Scotland Limited Edition
CV2117.FC6182: Jack Heuer 40th Anniversary Edition - 1964pcs
CV2118.FC6182: Ennstal Classic Limited Edition - 50pcs
CV2119.BA0722: Jack Heuer 80th Birthday Limited Edition - 3000pcs
CV2119.FC6310: Jack Heuer 80th Birthday Limited Edition - 3000pcs
CV5011.FC6191: Limited Edition - 360pcs
CV5013.FC6232: Tempus 'Temple of Time' Limited Edition - 10pcs
CV5040.FC8160: Calibre 360 White Gold Limited Edition - 100pcs
CV5041.FC8164: Calibre 360 Rose Gold Limited Edition - 500pcs
CV5080.FT6007: Vanquish Limited Edition - 12pcs
CV7A14.XXXXXX: Abu Dahbi 2009 Grand Prix Limited Edition - 100pcs
CV7A15.FC6287: Abu Dahbi 2010 Grand Prix Limited Edition - 200pcs
WV211C.BA0787: Jeff Gordon Limited Edition - 4000pcs
WV5141.FC8159: Jack Heuer Special Edition
Well, there we have it: the first part of this EPIC series. Naturally, as each part becomes available I will add links so that you can move seamlessly from one post to another.
Also, if you think you've spotted a mistake please let me know in the comments and I will check/change accordingly. It would be arrogant to think that I could have done this much work and got every single detail 100% right, though I have tried very hard to be thorough. At least here it is possible to make corrections...
LINK TO PART 2 (2013-2016)
LINK TO PART 3 (2017-2019)
LINK TO PART 4 (2019-2021)
LINK TO PART 5 (2022-2024)
LINK TO PART 6 (Other Chronographs)
LINK TO PART 7: (Other Watches)
No comments:
Post a Comment