Introducing The TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 160 Years Special Edition

Hot off the release of their all new Carrera, TAG Heuer is wasting no time in expanding the collection further with the release of the Sport Chronograph 160 Years Special Edition. There are two watches within the edition, each drawing inspiration from the so-called ‘Dato 45’ reference 3147N released in 1965. The watches mark the third and final launch of the 160 Years Special Edition range, joining the Silver Dial and Montreal Limited Editions. Much like those watches, these Special Editions have a few surprises that elevate them beyond their standard models.

These Special Edition Sport Chronographs are being offered in white and blue colorways, with contrasting registers at 3 and 9 o’clock. The running seconds reside in a dial colored sub-dial at 6 o’clock, bringing the focal point to the chronograph totalizers above. A few pops of color can be found throughout in the form of the timing seconds hand, and the minute totalizer at 3 o’clock. Additionally, the date disc is white with red numerals, boasting its presence rather than fading from sight. This is further accentuated by its unusual placement at the very top of the dial, above the logo. 

This date placement is a nod to the 3147N ‘Dato 45’ model, which was originally offered in two flavors: one which placed the date window at 9 o’clock, opposite a single sub-dial for the timing minutes; and one which placed the date window at 12 o’clock, above the branding. The new chronographs honor the latter, placing the window as far north on the dial as possible. While odd in description, in practice the placement works better than it has any right in doing so, and I hope this becomes a trend with more watches as it’s a refreshing take on a tired argument of where exactly is the best place for this unsightly but ultimately useful complication.

The dial is framed by a white chapter ring that blends into the white dial, but stands out beautifully on the blue dial. A blue or black ceramic bezel ties the whole joint together nicely, with our only gripe landing on the “HEUER 02 80 HOURS” labeling along the very bottom of the dial. While it doesn’t stand out, once you notice it it’s difficult to see anything else down there. 

Inside the angular 44mm stainless steel case beats the, you guessed it, TAG Heuer’s own Heuer 02 automatic movement, with 80 hours of power reserve. The movement is visible through an exhibition caseback and brings a vertical clutch and column wheel to the show. There’s a lot of value packed in here for the $5,950 price point. 

The TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 160 Years Special Edition is available to order in now with shipping to commence in November. Each variant will be limited to 1,860 units. More from TAG Heuer here.