Even twelve months on, the Carrera Heuer-02T hasn’t ceased to amaze. Derived from the looks of the Carrera Heuer-01, but fitted with a modified version of TAG Heuer’s CH80/ Heuer-02 with a tourbillon regulator, the Heuer-02T brings haute horlogerie to the people, with a startling price of US$15,900.
We’ve told you the full story of this watch before- one of the very first reviews of the new watch and an exclusive interview with TAG Heuer CEO Jean Claude Biver explaining the inside story of how the Carrera Heuer-02t came to be.
But despite the fact that we’ve covered the Carrera Tourbillon from every angle, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to borrow one of the flagship Rose Gold models for a photo shoot. So rather than following our normal detailed review format, think of this as a pictorial review…the Carrera Heuer-02t from every angle.
The model that we have here is the Rose Gold and Titanium Carrera Heuer-02t, reference CAR5A5Y. There are two Rose Gold models, with the only difference being the bezel. If you want a Rose Gold bezel to match the lugs, then reference CAR5A5Z is the one you’re looking for.
From Every Angle
So which parts of the Carrera are Rose Gold? The lugs and the fluted crown. The other Gold parts (hands, hour-markers and counters) are plated.
The sharp angles of the lugs are one of the best elements of the Carrera Heuer-01/ 02t design, and the rubber strap has been perfectly designed to match the look and angle of the lugs.
The other point worth making here is regarding the rubber bracelet- it feels fantastic. It’s a softer, more luxurious rubber than that used on other TAG Heuer straps, and the leather lining lifts the look even further.
Dial Macro
Heuer-02T/ Caseback
The Heuer-02t shares much of its basic design with the Heuer-02 that will power the up-coming Autavia re-edition. The main difference is the power reserve, with the tourbillon offering 65 hours, while we expect the production Heuer-02 to follow the lead of the CH80 and offer 80 hours.
On the Wrist
While the Carrera Heuer-02t has the same 45mm diameter case as the Carrera Heuer-01, it somehow feels bigger on the wrist..bigger and a lot more special.
Price and Availability- Carrera Heuer-02t
TAG Heuer’s haute horlogerie strategy has changed significantly in the last couple of years- gone are the $100,000-plus models, replaced by a much more democratic version of high-end watchmaking. While the “base” titanium watch comes it at US$15,900, the Rose Gold model here retails for US$20,200 in the US, €18,150 in Europe and CHF 18,900 in Switzerland.
As with all the Heuer-02t models, the Carrera Tourbillon is a lot of watch for the money- there is nothing else like it on the market. We can’t wait to see what comes next in the affordable (in relative terms) phase of TAG Heuer’s high-end watch strategy.
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