JToddH
[Moderator]
2670
TAG Heuer: Carrera Heuer 01 - 101st Indy LE Review
I was excited last year when TAG Heuer chose to commemorate the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 with their first Limited Edition based on their flagship Carrera Heuer 01. Interestingly, the first images I saw came by accident while visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website. Indy had published an announcement well before the brand sent out its official press release.
This stroke of luck allowed me to get my name in early to purchase one of only 100 produced. With a successful launch event and articles throughout the industry, all one hundred of the LEs were sold well before the race. In fact, as I understand, most were gone before the official announcement.
The frenzy was well deserved as this was a stunning variation of the Heuer 01. Looking back, I could only see two features that I would change. First was the bezel that would have been better served in ceramic. I suspect this was just an issue of timing as hortly after the release of the Heuer 01 Indy, ceramic bezels became standard on all Heuer 01s (except, of course, those in titanium or gold).
The other detail was the running seconds subdial at the 9 o’clock position that contained the Indy logo. Besides the logo, the disc was overly simple and smooth. It was almost too clean and simple for the otherwise complex dial.
Then came TAG Heuer’s 101st Indy 500 Carrera Heuer 01!
This year, even I was surprised when rumors surfaced of a 101st Indy 500 LE. Without any fanfare, the new Heuer 01s and their LE quartz cousins quietly shipped from their manufacture in La Chaux de-Fonds into US sales channels.
Still, when I learned that TAG Heuer was making another Indy piece for the 101st Indy race, I was skeptical. My assumption was that they’d make some modest changes and re-release essentially the same watch, different year. It’s the watch I didn’t want to want.
TAG rehashed another version all right, but it wasn’t the Indy model! The brand got clever and repackaged their Red Bull Racing Heuer 01 “Drive Timer,” essentially changing it from blue to black for Indy fans. Indy is Indy, F1 is F1. I can work with that.
My point is that the 101st Indy watch is a significant departure from last year’s model. For me, it’s unique enough to justify having both.
There are numerous differences between the two Indy watches. Perhaps the most significant are the large drive timer numerals on the dial. The numbers are bold and stand tall against the skeleton dial. The dial itself has rearranged cutouts giving it a heftier look and feel than the original Heuer 01s.
There’s also another detail on the chronograph subdials that I can’t seem to put my finger on. I’ve been in awe of the concave profile of the previous Heuer 01 registers, but this one has something different. The rounded outer edges somehow gently roll in towards the center. It’s difficult to explain, but they produce an almost glowing effect. The brand refers to it as a “snelled ring.” Additionally, the circumference of the chronograph registers are interrupted with a series of markers, adding more details to the detail. If that’s not enough, the minute register at the 12 o’clock even has a fine red inner ring. I’m not sure of its purpose, but it looks great!
If it’s true that the devil is in the details, TAG Heuer chased a lot of demons while creating this design. Every glance takes you to a new level of detail. You’ll never get bored looking at it. Simply mesmerizing.
Like other Heuer 01s, the 101st Indy 500 contains a harmonic mix of finishes and materials. The polished TAG Heuer Logo placard really stands out this year due to the contrasting finish of the skeleton dial beneath it.
Something else I noticed is the date wheel. Previous versions appear to be laser cut, leaving sharp, clean edges and a flat, matte surface. On the date wheel of the 101st Indy, the numerals are slightly rounded and have more of a satin finish. I’m cannot tell if they’re painted, coated or received some other treatment. I’ll reach out to the brand and get to the bottom of this!
For the most part, the dial and many of its details have brushed finishes that add to an almost industrial look. Perfect for racing. Even the running seconds subdial at the 9 o’clock position was addressed with a beautiful sunburst finish that compliments the other brushed surfaces.
As for the case? Nothing new here. It’s the standard 45mm 12-part case that defines the Heuer 01. Why mess with perfection?
The new case-back did receive a TAG Heuer logo in addition to the 101st Indy 500 logo. I’m not sure the TAG Heuer logo was necessary as it further crowds the surface. Besides, we know who you are. Add to this a smoked crystal and the exhibition case-back is rendered all but useless as these details obscure an otherwise beautiful column wheel movement. On any other day, the smoked crystal would be attractive, but here I’m afraid it’s unnecessary.
Honestly, I understand the need for strong branding, so I’ll recuse myself from any further criticism of the case-back. I’d rather the brand go bold on the back than jeopardize its spectacular front.
On a high note, I am simply smitten with the strap. It’s beautiful, comfortable and screams the racing theme. Black leather on rubber with red and white stitching. Oh, hell yeah!
One surprise I never saw coming was the luminence. Simply, wow! In the photo below, I promise that I did not tweak the image in any way other than cropping. Scout’s honor.
On the wrist, the watch wears the same as any other Heuer 01 with the exception of the strap which does have a unique feel compared to the standard rubber strap. This one is certainly more substantial as would be expected from combining layers. Still, it’s incredibly comfortable and a joy to wear.
Packaging for this year’s model is not year or race specific as last year’s 100th Indy 500 model. Hopefully the year/race non-specific box foreshadows the brand’s intentions to continue more Indy 500 models. Personally, I’m glad the brand focused more on the details of the watch and kept packaging simple.
The watch I didn’t want to want turned out to be one of the proudest additions to my collection. Though it’s my third Heuer 01, this watch has such unique style and personality - I never get them confused.
TAG Heuer certainly exceeded my expectations with this one. The mix of polished and brushed surfaces give this piece a very mechanical personality apropos for all that is racing. Bold and rugged with a ceramic bezel that’s smooth and sexy. Then there’s the strap. Need I say more?
Bottom line? With their foray back into Indianapolis 500 Limited Edition automatic chronographs, TAG Heuer is 2 for 2. Either (or both) would be a great addition to any collection.
If you missed your chance to get into the 101st Indy 500 Heuer 01, I’d strongly recommend you take a look at TAG Heuer’s Heuer 01 Red Bull. It’s not a limited edition and should be readily available through authorized TAG Heuer channels. The midnight blue leather strap and blue ceramic dial are stunning. And besides the blue, all of the physical characteristics of the Red Bull version are identical to the Indy piece.
I’d like to say that two Indy 500 Heuer 01s are enough, but this year taught me not to underestimate the brands creative and technical prowess. With two Indy pieces in the stable, all I can say is that both are great watches, each in their own right. It makes my brain hurt wondering what they’ll do to top these next year – but I sure can’t wait to see the outcome!
TAG Heuer: Carrera Heuer 01 - 101st Indy LE Review
