Most people who read a headline like this might think, “Haven’t TAG Heuer and Porsche collaborated in the past?” And the answer would be, “Definitely, yes.” Officially becoming partners three years ago, the duo has come out with a slew of tandem releases in that time. In fact, this past June, Porsche tapped the Swiss watchmaker to make a very modern version of the Carrera Chronograph to match their trio of 963 hybrid hypercars which would be racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
For the latest release, the two brands are coming out with a Tourbillon version of the Carrera Chronograph that pays homage to the Carrera Panamericana road race, which each brand has used to inspire its respective product.
Looking in the Same Direction
While they only officially joined forces in 2021, Porsche and TAG Heuer have had close ties for decades. A match made in heaven, the German automaker and Swiss watchmaker have been linked in our heads as well, each having its own product bearing the Carrera name, taking after the legendary Carrera Panamericana road race in Mexico.
Porsche began giving its 911 car the Carrera name in the ‘60s as a nod to its own success in the race with the 550 Coupe in the 1950s. On the other hand, Jack Heuer had a mere fascination with the competition after attending it some years prior. His own brand came out with its Carrera chronograph in 1963 and has become one of the most renowned of its type in history, and a favorite of auto enthusiasts everywhere.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana Basics
In honor of the 70th anniversary of their win at the Panamericana in 1954 with the 550 Spyder, Porsche has teamed up with TAG Heuer on a limited edition of the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon watch. This also comes in front of a one-off Porsche vehicle that will be unveiled this week.
As for the watch, it’s based on TAG’s Glassbox domed crystal design, housed in the typical 42mm stainless steel case with 100m of water resistance. The skeletonized dial is silver with black chronograph registers and yellow accents, while a subtle speckled design is visible throughout to look like the wheels on the 550 Spyder. In fact, the aesthetic of the dial is supposed to be redolent of the ‘54 Spyder’s wheels in general, with spaced-out applied indices that are polished, faceted, and rhodium-plated.
Porsche branding can be seen on the minute track around the dial, while “Panamericana” text shows up above the tourbillon at the bottom of the dial. On the side of the case, there’s a Spyder logo, while the caseback has engraving around the outside of the exhibition window and some co-branding on the rotor. You can see the in-house TH20-09 Tourbillon Chronograph movement that powers the watch. Lastly, it’s paired with a rally-style leather strap like the ones popular during the mid-20th century heyday of racing. The yellow underside of the strap adds a really handsome touch.
Not Their First Rodeo
This isn’t the first tourbillon that TAG Heuer and Porsche have collaborated on. Last year, they debuted another Glassbox design for the Carrera watch’s 60th anniversary. However, with the direct inspiration of the ‘50s car, especially considering the dial design, this 2024 model feels entirely different and sleeker.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 42mm
Case Thickness: 15.1mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: In-house TH20-09 Tourbillon Chronograph automatic
Band: Black rally-style leather strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, 225
Pricing & Availability
Limited to just 225 pieces, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana is priced at $35,850 from TAG Heuer’s website.
Recap
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana
TAG Heuer and Porsche come out with a limited-edition Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon in honor of Porsche’s 1954 win at the iconic Panamericana road race.
