BY JOVAN K
2026 just knocked and TAG Heuer opens the year by giving the Carrera Glassbox Chronograph a new 41mm case, a move that feels expected in the best possible way. The Glassbox idea has been around for a couple of years now, first seen at 39mm, and it never felt locked into one size. Carrera Glassbox Chronograph 41mm simply broadens the offer.
The case is now 41mm x 14.17mm. It still features those sharp, signature Carrera lugs that I’ve personally always appreciated for their architectural feel. The sapphire crystal is what makes this watch work. It sits directly over the dial edge to serve as the bezel. It’s clever engineering that personally reminds me of the old acrylic crystals on the Heuer 2447, just executed with modern materials. There is no fixed bezel here, which results in the dial being fully exposed and easy to read. Brushed and polished surfaces are used sensibly, round pump pushers sit where you expect them, and water resistance is rated at 100 metres. It is sporty, but not trying to be anything it is not.
Three dial options are offered in blue, teal green and black, all with a tri‑compax layout at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The blue and teal versions feature circular brushing with ‘tone on tone’ azurage subdials. The black dial adds red chronograph hands and a red outer ring for contrast. Markers and hands are applied with white Super‑LumiNova. The curved flange carries the tachymeter and minute scale. It may sound busy listed out, but on the wrist it remains readable, which has long been a Carrera strength.
The TH20‑01 automatic chronograph runs at 28,800vph with an 80-hour reserve. A column wheel and vertical clutch control the chronograph; the movement winds both ways. Through the sapphire back, the openworked rotor and finishing are visible, with a Victory Wreath engraved on the back of the right-hand lug to reinforce the Carrera identity.
These models come on a seven-row stainless steel bracelet. It’s a take on the old “beads-of-rice” style, but it feels much more substantial and less rattly than the vintage ones. It uses a butterfly clasp with push buttons to keep things secure. The price is set at CHF 7,500, and these will join the permanent collection starting in January 2026.
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