By Jovan Krstevski
It’s always interesting when a successful partnership decides to revisit its greatest hit. The dialogue between TAG Heuer and Hiroshi Fujiwara’s fragment has, since it began in 2018, produced watches that become immediately sought after by collectors. For their third collaboration, they have returned to the Carrera platform, this time applying Fujiwara’s clean black and white aesthetic to the contemporary Carrera Chronograph with the glassbox construction. It is a confident move because you do not approach an icon unless you have something specific to say.
The case sticks to a comfortable set of proportions, sitting at 39mm x 13.9mm. That 39mm diameter is a familiar sweet spot for many of us who remember the earlier racing chronographs. The finishing alternates between fine brushing and polishing. Viewed from the side, the case reveals the signature glassbox sapphire crystal, distinguished by its pronounced dome and double anti-reflective treatment. Water resistance remains at solid 100 meters.
The watch is defined by its black opaline surface, complemented by a surrounding white curved flange that creates a clean and focused layout. The chronograph counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock stick to that same black opalin look, and the silver and light grey markings together with the bezel tachymeter keep everything in that calm and tidy vibe Fujiwara is known for. As a final little sign-off, the fragment logo is discreetly worked into the date display for the numbers 1 and 11.
Inside, you get the TH20-00 calibre, a modern movement that uses a column wheel and a vertical clutch to keep everything running clean and smooth. It runs at 28,800vph and has a robust power reserve of 80 hours, and you are met with the shield-shaped rotor, dressed with a black graphic that ties right back to Fujiwara’s signature style.
The bracelet is the seven-row “beads of rice” design with black PVD on the central links. The CBS221B.BA0045 is limited to 500 pieces and carries a price of 8,150 CHF; and is available now.
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