Showing posts with label Heuer 01. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heuer 01. Show all posts
Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Saturday, 14 December 2024
Thursday, 21 November 2024
BUYING EXERIENCE: TAG Heuer FT6051 White Rubber Strap
CAR2A1Z.FT6051
TAG Heuer Boutique / 28th September 2024, Meadowhall, Sheffield
Some of you will probably remember that the original 45mm Carrera Heuer 01 Skeleton (CAR2A1Z) was at first available in just one format: red dial highlights and a black rubber strap. This was later expanded to include a white rubber strap and indeed a red rubber strap. There was also a 'Blue Touch' edition which featured blue dial highlights and a blue rubber strap, that was pretty nice too... but by the time that arrived I'd already bought mine and I don't have any regrets about that.
It's perhaps a little surprising that TAG Heuer didn't play around more with this, as we saw some future possibilities at the launch event (yellow, orange and lime green models were on show but none of them made it into production - booo!). But still, if you own a CAR2A1Z you can of course order a white or red (or blue I guess) strap for it, and that's exactly what I decided to do after 8 years of ownership!
Wednesday, 16 October 2024
DUEL: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Skeleton Chronograph v Carrera Calibre 16 Titanium Chronograph
CAR2A1Z.FT6044 CV2A80.FC6256
Hello readers, hard to believe I know for one so soft of skin and lithe of body🤣, but today is in fact my 55th birthday! Yay. Cake!!! And so I thought perhaps I would take a break from all these incessant new release posts and instead do what I really like doing. So today I will be writing about two of my most luxurious watches; my original 2016 Heuer 01 Skeleton and the titanium cased Calibre 16 day date Carrera I got from the Bicester Village outlet for my 50th birthday.
Now this post has in fact been in the works since late 2021, I even had some text written and pictures taken... but as three years have passed (!) I decided it would be much better to just start from scratch. I even briefly pondered the idea of switching out the Calibre 16 Carrera for my recently purchased Grand Carrera Calibre 36 for a true 'Clash of the Titans' post... but on reflection I decided that perhaps comparing my long time 'favourite' watch with the watch I am currently 'infatuated' with was a bit unfair. I mean maybe in time the GC Caliper will emerge as my 'favourite' watch, but it's far too soon to be throwing claims like that around.
Tuesday, 24 September 2024
Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Friday, 25 August 2023
FEATURE: Why My 'Favourite' Watch Isn't My 'Best' Watch
CAR2A1Z.FT6004 CAV511A.BA0902
Allow me to draw a distinction between two of my watches; one of which I would consider my 'favourite' and one my 'best' watch. My favourite watch is, and probably always will be, my CAR2A1Z Carrera Heuer 01 Skeleton. This was the watch that really kicked off my watch collecting journey, not to mention this blog. I already owned two TAG Heuer watches before that, but it was not a hobby or a collection. The Heuer 01 changed that; as soon as I saw a photograph I wanted it - even though I didn't have a clue how much it was going to cost. After that it was all downhill as far as the bank balance was concerned, but on the upside think of all the joy my new found hobby brought me!
Sunday, 26 June 2022
SPOTLIGHT ON: New Arrivals at TAG Heuer Bicester Village
It's been a while since I've been able to bring you an update on the stock situation at Bicester Village, largely because the stock has been fairly static, but recently there has been an influx of Heuer 01 models which are currently being offered at a hefty discount of 40%!
Tuesday, 22 February 2022
Sunday, 17 October 2021
Friday, 27 August 2021
Saturday, 17 July 2021
Sunday, 9 May 2021
ON THE WRIST: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Manchester United Special Edition Chronograph
CAR2A1J.FC6416
TAG Heuer Boutique / Bicester Village, 19th April 2021
Perusing the glass cases in the Bicester Village TAG Heuer store, I was struck by how noticeable the difference is between the 43mm and 45mm Carrera Heuer 01s. When you see them separately it's quite often hard to tell which one is which, but side by side it's very apparent and in fact the 43mm models look kinda small!
They don't look small on the wrist though, as you can see below. Would I have bought a 45mm Heuer 01 when I did if I'd have known they would eventually make a 43mm? Probably, because I don't think they ever made a 43mm version of the CAR2A1Z that is exactly the same in every respect. But there are certainly some extremely nice 43mm models I would love to have in my collection...
This isn't one of them, unfortunately... but only because I have zero interest in Manchester United and football in general. But if we leave aside the Manchester United element of this watch, I have only good things to say about it!
The extremely shiny black ceramic bezel was what first caught my eye, though the gorgeous red strap wasn't far behind. Oh man, I really dig this strap... it's more than a bit 'in your face' for sure, but if this would fit my Heuer 01 I would probably buy one. It's absolutely stunning, although I do wonder if it won't get grubby eventually?
The red lume on the hands and hour markers is cool (assuming it is lume of course, unfortunately I didn't check - and the TAG Heuer website doesn't have much to say other than that the dial is 'black' - sooo helpful!), though equally standard white would look just as good. But, sadly... we can't avoid it any longer, that red smudge on the left hand sub-dial is horrendous. I know if you support Manchester United this is perhaps a 'sacred' thing with deep meaning and possibly a strong emotional attachment, but be honest - it's just not aesthetically pleasing is it?
Still, I guess no one who isn't a staunch Manchester United fan is going to contemplate purchasing this watch so the point is rather moot. And you'd better be on board with the logo because it's also plastered all over the so called 'display' case back. Not that you'll be able to see much through this one!
Honestly, I really loved this Carrera, and if they made one exactly the same but without the Manchester United elements it would definitely be on my radar, but this (unlike the Red Bull Carrera I posted about a few days ago) is definitely only for the devout follower. Which is fair enough, I'm sure TAG Heuer know their customer base and I can see why this model doesn't have the 'subtlety' of the Red Bull. It's a shame for me though...
Anyway, if you are one of the Red Army and you fancy yourself a (numbered, I've just noticed - see the top edge of the caseback in the picture above) Heuer 01 Carrera at a sizeable discount then it is your lucky day (providing you live in the UK of course). TAG Heuer Bicester Village currently have this reduced from £5295 to £2700 which represents an impressive saving of 49%!
Please call the store on (01869) 249008 to check stock and arrange a UK delivery.
Saturday, 1 May 2021
ON THE WRIST: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Red Bull Edition Chronograph
CAR2A1K.BA0703
TAG Heuer Boutique / Bicester Village, 19th April 2021
I can still remember the first time I saw a Red Bull Drive Timer Carrera Heuer 01; it was in a Goldsmiths in Milton Keynes (not too far away from the Red Bull Formula 1 Team factory - four or five kilometers according to Google maps) and my abiding memory is thinking 'I wish my Heuer 01 had those Arabic numerals on the dial'. Later that year TAG Heuer also released the 'Drive Timer' in red and black with those same markings and a black leather/rubber strap, which I tried on in a Goldsmiths on Oxford Street and very reluctantly handed back before I left.
For a long time I really wanted to pick up the red/black Drive Timer but it was always going to be too similar to the original Heuer 01 I already owned. This blue bezelled Red Bull was different enough to warrant consideration and made it onto my wants list for quite a long time... but then the opportunity for a Calibre16 titanium Carrera with a carbon dial and these same numerals presented itself and ultimately it was too good a deal to turn down. After that the Red Bull Carrera kind of fell off of my radar, until now...
One of the things I really love about visiting the TAG Heuer Outlet at Bicester Village is that you never know what you are going to find. Even on this visit, despite having recently been updated on the general stock, I came across the really cool Harrods Limited Edition Autavias which I didn't know they had in. And while yes it could be argued that a lot of the stock is what's 'left over' and thus not always the most desirable pieces... in fact there's plenty of good stuff there too that's just come to the end of its natural life cycle.
Such is the current situation with the Heuer 01 Carreras, there's plenty to choose from including special editions like this Red Bull and also Manchester United (three varieties of those if you are a follower), not to mention models with gold lugs and bezels and solid dial versions too. 43 and 45 mm models are available and of course the discounts ease the 'pain' of wearing last season's watches! Besides, where else can you buy a brand new TAG Heuer F1 Kirium or Kirium quartz chronograph with a two year warranty?
The Red Bull Carrera came in two configurations, either on a bracelet or on a leather/rubber strap, however they were not the same watch; the bracelet version is a CAR2A1K while the leather version is a CAR2A1N. Looking at photographs of the two, it's easy to see that while this one was entirely fabricated from stainless steel the CAR2A1N has a black PVD titanium case - as to whether the bracelet and strap are interchangeable I'm not sure, but the strap version has different (black) end links so I would have my doubts.
I've always been rather anti 45mm Heuer 01 Carreras on bracelets, but I think time may have softened my stance. Previously I always found the 'step' from lug to bracelet too severe (something the strap works with, rather than against) but today I barely noticed it - perhaps I was too busy staring at the shiny blue ceramic bezel, the cool skeleton dial and always winning white lumed Arabic numerals?
I know the skeleton dial Carreras are not everyone's cup of tea and that's fine, but I do find it slightly bizarre that people criticise them for being illegible. I've never had a problem reading mine and to me the hour and minute hands stick out a mile in these (admittedly not my best work) photos. And while this stainless steel version is surely heavier than the titanium alternative, again I didn't really notice the difference. It's certainly apparent you're wearing it but it's definitely no 'Aquagraph' in the weight department.
All in all then, despite reaching the end of it's cycle, the Red Bull Carrera Heuer 01 still has a lot to recommend it and I still really love that TAG Heuer refrained from putting anything on the dial to mark it out as a 'Red Bull' watch (if only they'd taken the same approach with their Manchester United watches...). It really doesn't need it, those in the know will spot it a mile off and to anyone else it's just a really nice looking watch with a cool blue ceramic bezel.
Currently this is in stock at the Bicester Village store reduced from £4950 down to £2500, if you are in the market please call the store on (01869) 249008 to check availability and/or arrange a UK delivery. I didn't notice the leather strap version in the store, but if you are interested they may be able to help you. It's always worth asking; someone enquired about the awesome looking but impossible to find WAY208C Aquaracer the other day and they managed to find one in Germany... if you don't ask, you don't get!
Monday, 12 April 2021
Tuesday, 9 March 2021
Sunday, 28 February 2021
SPOTLIGHT ON: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Skeleton Chronograph Launch Specials
CAR2A1Z.FT6051
A few days ago I came across an old thread on the Calibre 11 forum from 2015 showing some photographs from the launch of the original Heuer 01 Carreras that I had never seen before. It was quite interesting to see the forum regulars opinions from five years ago and also several comments from someone called Mark_85 who I don't remember at all and who hasn't visited the forum since 2018. I hope he's still with us...? Actually it brought it home to me that all this nonsense we all type on the forum will be there in perpetuity (or until King Hubert decides to delete it all, whichever comes first I suppose).
Maudlin thoughts aside, what really caught my eye was some of the photographs... which showed a selection of colourful pieces that I was pretty sure never made it into production (more's the pity). I did some checking myself and also queried this with Tom at TAG Heuer Bicester Village and sure enough I was correct in my assumption that only the red (CAR2A1Z) and the blue (CAR2A1T) actually made it into the stores.
Originally of course the Carrera Heuer 01 (CAR2A1Z) was launched on a black rubber strap, and I'm pretty sure it was also available on the white rubber strap shown in these pictures at some point (in fact I'm sure I saw it in the Sheffield boutique a couple of years ago), probably the red strap as well, but always with the red second hand and other dial highlights not the white version shown here. The blue version was released later (officially called 'Blue Touch' for some reason that I know not) and funnily enough TAG Heuer Bicester Village has one in stock currently if you are interested (£2635 - see the link at the bottom of this post).
The pictures show that the 'orange' Carrera caseback is engraved with the number CAR2A1P, but this doesn't seem to exist. Presumably the green, white and yellow versions all had their own part numbers too, all later deleted as the pieces were cancelled. What a shame; I was hoping that they had all seen the light of day, even if it was as limited editions in different countries, but sadly not. I would have thought a couple of hundred of each would have been easy enough to shift, but perhaps the feedback from the launch wasn't enthusiastic enough, or maybe they were never intended to go into full production, merely eye catching colours for the press photographs?
Personally I'd be more than willing to swap my CAR2A1Z for the lime green/black version, what a fantastic colour scheme and one I've been championing for a long time. I wouldn't even mind the green strap with the red second hand I have, but despite my hopeful prodding, it seems the green isn't available and my only option is the white - which I can't help thinking would look grubby within a day of fitting it. :(
A Blog to Watch Carrera Heuer 01 Launch Coverage
TAG Heuer Carrera Blue Touch available at Bicester Village (01869) 249008
Tuesday, 26 January 2021
Sunday, 13 September 2020
SPOTLIGHT ON: New Arrivals at TAG Heuer Bicester Village
CALL THE STORE: 01869 249008
It's been a little while, but finally there's a new delivery at TAG Heuer Bicester Village. It's not as large or as exciting as the last one, but nevertheless there are some nice pieces, not least a 200 piece limited edition Formula 1 and the Red Bull Carrera Heuer 01. As always quantities are limited so please call the store before travelling long distances.
CAR201U.BA0766
CARRERA HEUER O1 BROWN SKELETON (43MM)
LIST PRICE - £4450
BICESTER PRICE - £2670
CAR201V.BA0766
CARRERA HEUER 01 BLACK SKELETON (43MM)
LIST PRICE - £4450
BICESTER PRICE - £2670
CAR2A1K.BA0703
CARRERA HEUER 01 'RED BULL' EDITION (45MM)
LIST PRICE - £4950
BICESTER PRICE - £2970
CARRERA HEUER 01 GOLD SKELETON (45MM)
LIST PRICE - £10,550
BICESTER PRICE - £6330
CAR2A1W.BA0703
CARRERA HEUER 01 BLACK SKELETON (45MM)
LIST PRICE - £4550
BICESTER PRICE - £2730
CAR205B.FT6087
CARRERA HEUER 01 GOLD SKELETON (43MM)
LIST PRICE - £10,150
BICESTER PRICE - £6090
CAR2090.FT6088
CARRERA HEUER 01 CERAMIC SKELETON (43MM)
LIST PRICE - £5050
BICESTER PRICE - £3030
AQUARACER CALIBRE 45 CHRONOGRAPH (43MM)
LIST PRICE - £3450
BICESTER PRICE - £2415*
*This is cheaper than it is pre-owned on Watchfinder!
WAZ1115.FT8023
FORMULA 1 QUARTZ SPECIAL EDITION (41MM)
LIMITED EDITION OF 200 PIECES!
LIST PRICE - £1000
BICESTER PRICE - £700
WAT2010.BA0951
LINK CALIBRE 6 (42MM)
LIST PRICE - £2595
BICESTER PRICE - £1815
WBG1350.FC6418
CARRERA QUARTZ (36MM)
LIST PRICE - £3600
BICESTER PRICE - £2520
Thursday, 20 August 2020
ON THE WRIST: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 'Drive Timer' Chronograph
CAR2A1H.FT6101
TAG Heuer Boutique / Bicester Village, 19th August 2020
Back in February 2018 I posted about a trip to London with my friend Rich, and during that post I mentioned that I stopped into the Goldsmiths store on Oxford Street where I tried on the CAR2A1H 'Drive Timer' Heuer 01 Carrera. There was no 'On the Wrist' post, it was literally two lines where I said that I really liked it but I already had the skeleton Heuer 01 Carrera and as such I couldn't really justify buying something so similar. All of that is still true of course, and in fact now it's even more true because since then I added my CV2A80 Carrera which has the lumed Arabic minute markers, just like this one... but of course that doesn't change the fact that I really like it!
Would I swap my two watches for this one then? Probably not, but only because I really love my CAR2A1Z. This one does have the advantage of a ceramic bezel and a very cool leather strap, while retaining the black PVD titanium case. It also has coated lugs whereas my skeleton has polished lugs, which gives it a slightly more cohesive overall look.
It also sits very nicely on the wrist, yes it's big - it's 45mm, but if you own a 45mm Heuer 01 Carrera you will know how nice they feel on the wrist and this one is no exception. For reasons too tedious to go into I tried this one on my left wrist and I still loved it!
The strap really is nice, I've long thought about getting one of these for my watch but I've never quite got around to it. As usual with these Carreras the deployment clasp is a joy, if only all my clasps were as good as this one - I would be a very happy man!
To be honest I was rather surprised to see this was still in the store given the number of new pieces which have come and gone since lockdown was eased (remember that triple 'new stock' post that highlighted fifty new pieces, most of it has been and gone already!) but it turns out they had more than one. I kinda wish they had sold it because it's tugging at my wallet, even though I know it's not a wise purchase for my collection - I really need to be focusing on getting something different, not variations on things I already have.
I'm sure next time I visit this will be gone though, it's too good to remain on the shelf for long, especially as it's reduced from £4850 to £2910. If you pass by the store make sure you have a look at this one, and ask the staff to charge the lume for you, it's pretty damn cool!
Here's a link to the post I mentioned above:
http://tagheuerenthusiast.blogspot.com/2018/02/feature-another-trip-to-london-and-new.html
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