The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T chronograph with tourbillon. On the left is the regular production piece (non-limited, priced at CHF14,900 or SGD21,800) and on the right is the Black Phantom limited edition of 250 pieces, priced at CHF19,900 or SGD29,100. Photo: © TAG Heuer
Why did the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T create a storm within the Swiss watchmaking industry?
Simple, given its key features – the in-house Manufacture movement with the chronograph function and tourbillon, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T, priced at CHF14,900 or SGD21,800, is a fraction of what a typical Swiss-made tourbillon would retail for.
Case back of the Carrera Heuer-02T where one can view the skeleton oscillating weight. The main technical challenge, according to the brand, was to house a single barrel, chronograph and automatic mechanism with the flying tourbillon within a diameter of 32mm. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016 BaselWorld.
In addition to the regular production piece offered, there is also a limited edition Carrera Heuer-02T, the Black Phantom, so-named because of its stealth look. Limited to 250 pieces, this version is priced at CHF19,900 or SGD29,100.
With such unheard of prices for a tourbillon, let alone a chronograph with tourbillon wristwatch, this Carrera Heuer-02T has gained attention worldwide as the cheapest Swiss-made tourbillon that also features the chronograph function.
What’s more, one must also note that the self-winding Carrera Heuer-02T is chronometer-certified, has a power reserve of more than 65 hours and is water-resistant to 100 metres.
The TAG Heuer Black Phantom Carrera Heuer-02T chronograph with tourbillon. Limited to 250 pieces and priced at CHF19,900, this model has the stealth look. The Calibre Heuer-02T is COSC-certified, features more than 65 hours of power reserve when fully wound and is water-resistant to 100 metres. Photo: © TAG Heuer
The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T COSC-certified automatic chronograph with tourbillon symbolises “technology, exemplary quality, performance, manufacture expertise and the perfect mastery of industrial processes and manufacturing costs,” states the brand.
The price tag would definitely not have been possible if traditional watchmaking handcraftsmanship was involved as it would be economically unviable. We do note that traditional watchmaking handcraftsmanship was not mentioned as part of what the Carrera Heuer-02T symbolises.
This Carrera Heuer-02T further represents the continued investment and creativity of TAG Heuer, the brand adds, where avant-garde is the guding spirit, culture and philosophy.
A related article on timewerke.com is:
i. TAG Heuer’s Carrera Heuer-02T chronograph with tourbillon explained.