Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer has launched the new Carrera Extreme Sport line, which draws on the DNA of its iconic chronograph collection Carrera to reinterpret the explosive energy of motorsport in a striking design.
Since reaching the pinnacle of watchmaking technology with unprecedented concept super high-beat replica watches such as the Mikrotimer Flying 1000, which beats 1,000 times per second (3,600,000 times per hour, 500 Hz) in 2011 and the Mikrogirder, which beats 5/10,000 times per second (7,200,000 times per hour, 1,000 Hz) in 2012, TAG Heuer has had a truly turbulent past few years. In particular, since Frédéric Arnault, the fourth son of the LVMH Group Chairman, took office as CEO in 2020, he has spurred a large-scale reorganization and upgrading of the collection, and various attempts, big and small, have garnered attention, proving the brand’s continued power. And with Frédéric Arnault being promoted to CEO of LVMH Watches earlier this year, another major change is coming as Antoine Pin, formerly of Bulgari, takes over as CEO of replica TAG Heuer starting this month. The new Carrera Extreme Sports collection, which is being launched at this time, shows the clear direction that the brand is pursuing in many ways.
Carrera Extreme Sports is largely divided into two types: chronograph and chronograph tourbillon. Let’s start with the main chronograph model. The Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sports comes in four color versions: blue, orange, black, and rose gold. The blue and orange versions use grade 2 titanium, the black version uses grade 2 titanium with black DLC coating, and the rose gold version is the only version using 18K rose gold (5N) as a case material. The case diameter is 44mm, the thickness is 15.1mm, and the practical 100m water resistance is guaranteed as a basic feature.
The fixed bezel is made of matte black ceramic with a tachymeter scale engraved with laser engraving. The three titanium case versions have gray markings to fill in the graduations, while the rose gold case version has gold markings instead for a unified look. Although the case is oversized compared to recent trends, as befitting the name “Extreme Sports,” it doesn’t feel that big compared to the published specifications because it has a fairly thick ceramic bezel.
Above all, the openwork dial appeals to the watch’s strong charm. The linear motif bridge decoration and the openwork date disc, which can also be seen in the recently released new Monaco chronograph, catch the eye. However, the Carrera Extreme Sport goes one step further than the Monaco version by openworking most of the bridges inside the stepped flange, including each chronograph subdial, and some are also processed in an arch shape, creating a harmony of straight and curved lines and highlighting the unique geometric outline. Since the collection has an unusually wide range of openwork, it is the perfect way to express an extreme concept in the literal sense.