By Jovan K
TAG Heuer’s latest lunar foray, the Carrera Astronomer, doesn’t so much reinvent the wheel as it polishes it with cosmic intent. It’s a curious beast, this one. Born from the same lineage that once saw a Heuer stopwatch hitch a ride aboard Friendship 7 in 1962, the Astronomer feels like TAG Heuer tipping its hat to orbital nostalgia while keeping both boots firmly planted in contemporary watchmaking. Not every day you see a moonphase that actually behaves like the Moon.
The stainless steel case measures 39mm x 12.16mm with a 45.2mm lug to lug span. A screw down crown and caseback secure 100 metres of water resistance, while a double treated domed sapphire crystal ensures clear viewing of the dial.
The caseback shows an engraving of an observatory and Victory Wreath.
The dial comes in three versions. The permanent model has a silver sunray dial with black flange and moonphase disc. One limited edition adds turquoise on a grey flange, while the other uses rose gold with a lunar disc that blends into the dial. The moonphase shows seven stages, advancing nightly at 1:00 AM, with two arrows marking both phase and cycle.
Inside ticks the Calibre 7, a self-winding movement beating at 4 Hz with a 50h reserve. It’s not haute horlogerie, but it’s no slouch either. Functional, reliable and quietly competent.
Straps and bracelets include a steel seven row design recalling the 60s beads of rice style and a grey leather strap for the turquoise accented model.
Prices run from USD4,600/CHF4,350 to USD7,250/CHF6,900 with availability from October 2025. Whether collectors howl at the Moon remains to be seen.
