TAG Heuer and Porsche rev up two new watches as a tribute to the 911 sportscar. One model in stainless steel and the other in 18K 5N rose gold to mark the remarkable collaboration that began in 2021 between TAG Heuer and Porsche. The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint X Porsche pays homage to the momentous celebration of the 60th anniversary of the TAG Heuer Carrera collection as well as the Porsche 911 —originally called 901. Merging elements from both the watch and the car, these timepieces offer an unparalleled timekeeping experience.
This new pair of watches captures the essence of the original Porsche 901’s remarkable achievement of reaching 0-100 km/h in a mere 9.1 seconds, an enhanced milestone as the history of the 911 unfolds.
Since its groundbreaking introduction in 1963, the Porsche 911 has captivated enthusiasts with its unwavering commitment to performance, precision, and innovation. The Porsche 911’s impressive acceleration highlighted Porsche’s commitment to performance and innovation. It paved the way for future generations of the 911, pushing boundaries, and setting new records for speed and driving dynamics.
In 1963, the Heuer Carrera made its debut. It was a carefully thought-out design and a clear expression of Jack’s philosophy. Inspired by the iconic Carrera Panamericana race, Jack Heuer decided it was the perfect name for a watch with a racing spirit, useful and functional, featuring a clean and legible design, without extraneous elements that would distract the wearer’s gaze.
60 years later, in 2023, TAG Heuer once again pays tribute to Porsche’s exceptional speed achievement. Bringing to life revolutionary designs and conceptual timepieces, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint X Porsche watches stand out. Both the Steel and the Gold Editions celebrate the iconic status of the Porsche 911 and its remarkable performance heritage, fusing the spirit of Porsche’s groundbreaking achievements with TAG Heuer’s unwavering pursuit of excellence. As a tribute to precision and speed, TAG Heuer introduces a new movement in the industry, TH20-08 automatic movement.
Designed for precise measurements of short time intervals, the TH20-08 movement mirrors Porsche 901’s acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds. Its central hand accelerates swiftly, gradually decelerates over 60 seconds, and quickly restarts. The chosen design ensures the clear legibility of the dial.
The movement’s unique mechanism features two snail-shaped wheels, creating a captivating decelerating motion for the central hand. These wheels are crafted with state-of-the-art technology, the so-called LiGA process widely used in the MEMS industry. The TH20-08 represents TAG Heuer’s commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and captivating design, setting a new standard in watchmaking.
Equipped with 42 mm cases in either stainless steel or 18K 5N rose gold, the two new watches are crafted with sleekness, assertiveness, and remarkable memorability. The silver shimmery dial of the stainless steel model and the beige shimmery dial of the 18K 5N rose gold model feature 3 counters. At 3 o’clock an “azuré” minute chronograph counter with a red lacquered hand, at 6 o’clock a running seconds second indicator with a red lacquered hand, and at 9 o’clock and “azuré” hour chronograph counter also with a red lacquered hand. Both watches feature the Porsche & Chronosprint logos printed on the flange.
The dial of these watches captivates with a visual representation of speed and acceleration. Red lines on the flange mirror the 0-100 km/h achievement in just 9.1 seconds, paying homage to the very first Porsche 911. This dynamic element adds a sense of movement and energy to the timepiece.
Adding a touch of automotive inspiration, further subtle red details can be found throughout the watch. The 6 o’clock subdial features a reference to the iconic dashboard of the 1970s Porsche, where the area around 50 km/h was often highlighted to indicate the recommended speed in urban areas.
An additional nod to the rich sportscar heritage lies in the red portion of the 9 o’clock subdial. It serves as a reminder of the critical engine limit beyond which damage may occur. It’s not by chance that TAG Heuer chose to place the red line at 6.8 hours. It refers to the limit of 6800 revolutions per minute. Not to be overlooked, the counter hands of the watch draw inspiration from the shape of a car dashboard, completing the cohesive automotive design aesthetic.
Adding to the delightful surprises, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint X Porsche takes innovation to new heights with its double glass box. It is called “glassbox” for its domed, curved, crystal glass, paying homage to similarly domed hesalite crystal designs from the 1970s. Reengineered to have a curve that flows seamlessly over the tachymeter scale, it runs along the edge of the dial, blending into the case.
This innovative design, a first for the TAG Heuer Carrera, offers an easy reading of the indications on the dial via the front glass and a captivating view of the watch’s intricate mechanics through the caseback glass. The caseback features a specially crafted dedicated mass designed to replicate the iconic three-spoke steering wheel of Porsche.
Both watches will feature a calfskin leather strap, in brown for the gold edition and in black for the steel edition, with the embossed original number “911” on the strap, paying homage to Porsche and resonating with enthusiasts and connoisseurs of the iconic sports car. These two unique-looking timepieces are each presented in specially designed, co-branded TAG Heuer X Porsche packaging with subtle touches of gold and steel reminiscent of the watches.
In a seamless fusion of horological mastery and automotive excellence, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint X Porsche represents the pinnacle of collaboration between two legendary brands. With a shared commitment to excellence, performance, and timeless design, TAG Heuer and Porsche once again highlight their common history and passion for racing. Together, they created more than just a watch; a true symbol of their passion and expertise. These timepieces embody the spirit of speed, precision, and enduring legacy, serving as a tangible testament to the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Sticker Price CHF 9,000 Swiss Francs —approximately $10,000 USD— for stainless steel and CHF 23,000 Swiss Francs —approximately $25,800 USD— for 18K 5N rose gold. For more info on TAG Heuer click here.
