BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
Porsche and TAG Heuer are two names that have a rich historic association with the automotive world. While one is a leading manufacturer of some of the fastest sports cars, the other is well known for making some of the best racing themed watches. Now, for the first time, the two brands joined hands to create a watch fueled by their passion for the world of racing, and the outcome is the new swashbuckling TAG Heuer Porsche Chronograph.
The face of the TAG Heuer Porsche Chronograph is replete with details inspired by the world of motorsports. To begin with, the base dial has been presented in a greyish black shade and has been given a textured finish that is reminiscent of a racing track surface. Placed on top of the dial are applied lume filled double-digit numerals inspired by the speedometers found in Porsche 911 cars. Surrounding the numerals is a minutes/chronograph seconds track that can be read easily using the baton-style hour and minute hands and the red-tipped chronograph hand. The chronograph functions have been presented in a tri-register set up; there is a 30-minute counter at 3, a 12-hour counter at 9, and running seconds register with a date window sits at the 6 o’clock position. The sub-registers are well executed and have a deep black color that provides a nice contrast to the grey background. Furthermore, the chronograph counters at 3 and 9 also feature circular graining and sporty red accents to heighten visual interest.
Crafted from stainless steel, the case on this watch measures a large 44mm in diameter and shares its design with last year’s Carrera Sports Chronographs. On top of the case sits a black ceramic bezel that features a tachymeter scale with Porsche branding in red. The right side of the case is flanked by two chronograph pushers and a grippy screw-down crown with a red circular ring, once again in a nod to the racing theme of this watch. And finally, completing this sports watch is 100 meters of water resistance.
Like the front, the rear of the watch is quite enticing. The sapphire exhibition glass gives a nice view of the highly capable mechanical engine that powers the watch. The Heuer 02 is a modern column-wheel based automatic chronograph movement that ticks at 4 Hz and offers an autonomy of around 80 hours. The movement is nicely decorated using Geneva stripes on the bridges, a red-colored column wheel, and a black oscillating weight that mimics the look of a Porsche’s steering wheel.
The new TAG Heuer Porsche Carrera Chronograph is available to purchase on a stainless-steel bracelet or a black calf strap with contrast stitching inspired by Porsche interiors. The retail price of the watch is USD 5,850.
Visit TAG Heuer here.
