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TAG Heuer: Picks & Pics from Baselworld 2018
Of course, people ask about the most significant release for TAG Heuer at Baselworld. My guess is that if you ask ten people, you’ll get at least a dozen answers. Only in the watch world will opinions and tastes vary with such great degree. Nonetheless, I will go over some of my personal favorites.
There were no earth-shattering revelations by the brand this year. Instead, TAG Heuer focused on refining it’s current lineup, pushing some models into new territory. A case in point is the new Carrera Chronograph GMT.
Considering the extraordinary success of the Carrera Heuer 01, 02T Tourbillon then the Carrera Heuer 02, a GMT variant was all but inevitable.
Given the recent announcement that 42mm Carreras would receive the Calibre Heuer 02, I find it interesting that the new GMT houses a Heuer 02 inside a 45mm Chassis rather than the Heuer 01. When you stand back and look at the new Carreras however, it makes sense.
Unlike other 45mm Carreras, the Carrera GMT has a 3-6-9 dial layout, further distinguishing it from the Heuer 01s. The dial format plus the new bezel makes the Carrera Chronograph GMT a perfect compliment to the Carrera family. Well played, TAG!
It’s exciting for me to see the Carrera family continue to grow. The new Carrera GMT is proof that the modular Carrera will continue to evolve.
For those who appreciate the more “classic” Carrera case design, the Calibre 16 models have received some updates. My favorite of the “classic Carreras,” has a red and black color scheme that lends a contemporary theme to an iconic design.
Lacking the modular case of the Heuer-01 & 02 Carreras, the Calibre 16 models adhere more closely to tradition with tapered lugs that flow seamlessly into the case. The colors ensure that this Carrera exudes a sporty personality and the race inspired heritage that made the Carrera an icon.
Another version of the Carrera Calibre 16 dons a blue and red theme over its stainless case and bracelet.
Announced last year to the US market, the 50th Anniversary Monaco is now available globally. The horizontal markers are a nice improvement over the 40th Anniversary model, as they are closer to the design of the Monacos circa 1970.
Despite the many Monaco “reissues” over the past decade or so, this, in my opinion is by far the best.
Speaking of Monaco, watch tuner George Bamford has been hard at work putting his personal touch on a new Monaco, courtesy of Bamford Watch Department.
Watchmakers from BWD infiltrated the manufacture at TAG Heuer and received in-depth training on the manufacture and assembly of the Monaco.
Officially certified by TAG Heuer, Bamford Watch Department created a Monaco with a feather-light case crafted from solid carbon fiber.
The blue Super Luminova explodes from the stealthy dial. This watch is simply stunning and must be seen and held to be fully appreciated.
Housing TAG Heuer’s Calibre 11, this version of the Monaco is not that different, yet worlds apart from ANY previous Monaco. For me, this is the most compelling use of carbon fibre by any watch brand.
Earlier this month, TAG Heuer announced their "Tête de Vipère," or Viperhead, the brands most significant Baselworld release from a technical standpoint.
This is the brand’s first chronograph tourbillon chronometer certified by the Besançon Observatory. Only 155 Viperheads will be released.
What I appreciate most about Viperhead is its midnight blue ceramic case. There’s something particularly striking about the color theme of this piece. The muted blue is actually quite powerful against the black rubber and ceramic components.
Best of all, the beautiful blue and black theme permeates the entire watch with elements of the movement itself receiving black and blue accents.
It was great to finally see the new Aston Martin Heuer 01. Honestly, I was much more impressed with the real piece than the images accompanying its press release. Very well executed, refined and elegant in its details.
Finally, another personal favorite was a Carrera Heuer 01 built to celebrate TAG Heuer’s support for Chinas Lunar Exploration program. I was hands-on with this piece for a brief moment, but it was long enough to see that it is one of the most alluring Carrera Limited Editions to date. I love the textured dial and the overall theme. Setting aside my passion for the Indy and Formula 1 pieces, this would be certainly be the next Heuer 01 for my collection.
While it’s hard top Baselworld 2015, when TAG Heuer announced the Carrera Heuer-01 and 02T, 2018 is significant in that it showcased the evolution of the Carrera.
There was a lot more from the brand, including Formula 1s and ladies models, but above are the pieces that made my annual pilgrimage to Baselworld well worth the trip.
This trip energized and reassured me that the brand continues to innovate and that their creativity is in full swing. I can only imagine what we’ll see next year.
