"Look to the Light," a peek at TAG Heuer's lightweight Ti "Grey Phantom"

May 24, 2016,07:07 AM
 




I think we all expected the Carrera Heuer 01 to be the flagship piece of TAG Heuer's offerings at Baselworld this year. What caught me by surprise, was the myriad of variations that would be on display just months after the first new Carreras hit the stores. 

All the colors and material and strap combinations were almost overwhelming. Almost. Still, there was one piece that really stood out to me, and that is the Titanium variant dubbed the Grey Phantom. 




I've always been a fan of black watches, polished steel and even the occasional white. This one lands comfortably in the middle with a sexy, monochromatic feel that clearly distinguishes it from the other 01s.

The first time I held this piece, it felt a bit alien ( Perhaps some technology from Roswell, New Mexico finally put to good use! )

Seriously though, this piece is so incredibly lightweight, it feels unreal for an all-metal watch. On the wrist, it feels...absent.




Of course the Grey Phantom is powered by TAG Heuer's in-house manufactured, Heuer 01 column wheel chronograph movement, derived from it's proven Calibre 1887.


Final thoughts. I just purchased my first Heuer 01 last week and I am finishing a reveal post for it. But no sooner than I strap it on my wrist, I look at the images of the Grey Phantom and find myself lusting for my next Carrera. I'm not sure which Heuer 01 is next for me, but the Grey Phantom is certainly high on the list.











 



More posts: Carrera

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

I think this Phantom is my favorite version of the Heuer 01

 
 By: MichaelC : May 24th, 2016-07:25
The open dial just works well monochrome. Thanks for the post, Todd.
login to reply

I agree. It's almost frustrating...

 
 By: JToddH : May 24th, 2016-07:30
When I first saw the Heuer 01, I thought, "I'll get one." But now, I want another, and another and another. AHHHH! Actually, there are currently FIVE Heuer 01s on my wish list (Plus a 02t). Anyone want to buy a kidney? ( Just kidding! )
login to reply

Well, your frustration is JCB's delight!

 
 By: MichaelC : May 24th, 2016-08:20
LOL. He is a modern Master, and he gets us all!
login to reply

The color pictures look almost black and white. Stealth indeed.

 
 By: Bill : May 24th, 2016-08:31
No message body
login to reply

Strangely compelling

 
 By: MTF : May 24th, 2016-18:30
Todd I usually don't like skeltonised or fenestrated dials or metal bracelets but as this watch is monochromatic, it sort of blends into the background. The bracelet may work for me if its as light as you say. Thinking about it now; bracelet weight must b... 
login to reply

If one does not enjoy heavy weight on the wrist

 
 By: KMII : May 25th, 2016-23:38
But likes bracelets, titanium is definitely the way to go Very appealing version and certainly stealthier than the original black... Like it a lot!
login to reply

Titanium is always the best choice.

 
 By: piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1) : June 2nd, 2016-00:18
Especially when the watch is big and thick. This metal is also warmer on the wrist, far away better than steel. The only concern is the scatch resistance, depending on the alloy's hardness
login to reply

As long as it is available, this is my next watch, wow :D

 
 By: Rogi : June 2nd, 2016-12:20
After the let down of the Red Bull Tag having no auto. Varient, the Grey Phantom looks too good to be true *love at first sight*
login to reply

I like it too!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : June 6th, 2016-19:04
Thanks for the review Todd The monochromatic feel and look is what I find very attractive Cheers Robin
login to reply

Is there any more info about the piece?

 
 By: Rogi : June 22nd, 2016-12:58
I'd like to buy the grey phantom but most of the dealers here in Canada don't have it/can't order it/don't know what it is, they should rename it to the grey mystery. I have one quoted price for an order but other than that I have conflicting information.... 
login to reply

Grey Phantom to ship in October

 
 By: JToddH : June 23rd, 2016-08:04
I just contacted the brand who said this model will ship in October, 2016
login to reply