If there’s one style of watch TAG Heuer is known for, it’s the chronograph. And while we can’t deny the beauty and class of the brand’s Aquaracer diver, the Carrera and Monaco lines are still the Swiss watchmaker’s bread and butter. However, with the debut of the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon a few years ago, I’ve been wondering how the double-complication watch would appeal to all of the retro racing enthusiasts who follow TAG Heuer.
Regardless of the honorable vision of putting a tourbillon regulator onto a chronograph stopwatch, the collection is decidedly modern, especially with versions such as the ones made from titanium carbon or even just the all-green and all-blue steel models. Needless to say, the range was in desperate need of some sort of vintage spark, and the watchmaker has found just that with this new white-and-blue panda dial version. Let’s take a look…
Closer to Racing
Back in 2016, TAG Heuer made waves with the Tourbillon version of the Carrera Chronograph. These were large 45mm timepieces with hefty price tags despite the uniqueness of what the brand was doing. The series was actually revamped (and improved upon) last year with the addition of the new glassbox crystal, a smaller 42mm case, and an all-around more traditional look.
But perhaps you felt that a tourbillon implemented into a chronograph distanced the Carrera from its racing-inspired origins. If so, you’ll be happy to discover that the watchmaker has now made a white-and-blue panda-style version that looks decidedly more retro than the Chronograph Tourbillons it rolled out in the past.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Blue Panda Basics
Essentially the same as the other 42mm stainless steel versions of the Chronograph Tourbillon, the limited-edition blue panda variant works with a circular-brushed white dial featuring navy blue on the two chrono registers and minute track around the edge, meant to represent the atmosphere of the Swiss Alps. Water-resistant to 100m, the watch has minimal lume applied only to the hour hand, minute hand, and small hour marker pips. Also returning is the fan-favorite glassbox crystal inspired by the ‘70s-era domed hesalite crystals.
Separating the blue panda model with the rest of its collection mates is the blue leather strap, going back in time as the only perforated racing-style option in the current lineup. Like the others, this watch is powered by the in-house TH20-09 automatic movement, which is a modified tourbillon version of the Heuer 02. Viewed through the caseback, it’s a COSC-certified chronometer with 65 hours of power reserve.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 42mm
Case Thickness: 14.3mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: In-house TH20-09 automatic chronograph tourbillon
Band: Leather
Limited Edition?: Yes, 50
Pricing & Availability
Limited to just 50 examples, with the edition size engraved on the back, the blue panda Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon will be offered in Europe, priced at €25,200 (~$27,440). Head over to TAG Heuer’s website to learn more.
Recap
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Blue Panda
TAG Heuer adds a blue panda version to its Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon, bringing a retro racing flair to a collection that had been decidedly modern.
