TAG Heuer Carrera SpaceX 1887
Testing in Space
Prototype Carrera SpaceX
The prototype Carrera SpaceX differs only slightly from the production watch, with the central hands on the prototype (above) being a bright metallic blue, with silver sub-dial hands.
Who is SpaceX?
SpaceX is a Californian “Space Transport” company, founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. That name may sound familiar to you, because Elon Musk is also the man behind Pay-Pal…and TAG Heuer partner Tesla Motors.
There are two SpaceX craft shown on the Carrera- The “Falcon 9″ is a launch vessel (rocket), while the “Dragon” is a pressurised spacecraft that detaches from the rocket once the craft is in orbit.
SpaceX is the first commercial entity to be charged with designing and manufacturing a space craft capable of supplying the International Space Station (“ISS”), a feat achieved on 31 May 2012…and with a Carrera SpaceX watch on board.
Preparing for Take Off
Above is a package containing a Carrera SpaceX being brought on-board the Dragon on 20 May 2012.
The watch was then unwrapped and installed in the hatch before liftoff.
Below you see the Falcon 9 rocket with the Dragon spacecraft preparing for launch at Cape Canaveral in Florida.
In Space
The fantastic shot above (25 May 2012) shows the view from the ISS, with the robotic arm moving the Dragon into place for docking.
Return to Earth
After the mission was completed, the Dragon 9 returned to earth, or more precisely, the Pacific Ocean.
Above is the Dragon safely back on the SpaceX barge on 12 June 2012.
The Carrera SpaceX was then removed from the hatch and tested….despite the G-forces, the chronograph was in perfect working condition.
And lastly, the Carrera SpaceX that went to Space returns to TAG Heuer HQ in La Chaux de Fonds where it joined the replica of the John Glenn Heuer 2915A.
Availability
The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 SpaceX will be available in the next few weeks and is a Limited Edition of 2, 012 watches at a price of around USD5,800 in the US.
Regular readers will know that we’re a fan of the 43mm Carrera Calibre 1887, a watch with a different look and feel to this model thanks to its Rose Gold highlights. Those who are not a fan of the Gold numerals on the dial of the standard model will like the bespoke dial of the Carrera SpaceX and the visual link to an important part of Heuer and TAG Heuer’s history.
***
Photos
Photos used by permission: TAG Heuer and SpaceX
Did you find this website helpful?
I'm really happy with all da informationProvided by da calibre 11. It's veryUpdated & accurate.
I'm really happy with all da information
Provided by da calibre 11. It's very
Updated & accurate.
Continue Reading: Pages 1 2
DC,
would you happen to have a rough guess on the pricing of these Carrera SpaceX? My guess is it'll be priced somewhere along the lines of the 300SLR.
Rather like the vintage suade looking strap & anthracite hands… Correct me if I'm wrong but it appears that the sapphire crystal glass has had its edges round off a little more to flow with the contours of the bezel.