Editorial commentary on the new Heuer 02T self-winding chronograph flying tourbillon, now with an azure blue dial and a grade 2 titanium strap for this limited edition of 250 pieces.
Press Release information with commentary in italics. Retail price is SGD 26,900 incl GST / CHF 20,500.
New: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T
Commentary and additional info
What’s new? First the azure blue dial (and blue ceramic bezel), which is the first this coloured dial on the Heuer 02T. Earlier editions had dark dials with black ceramic bezel, though the some had splashes of yellow and gold. Also new is a fully closed dial, in place of the open worked dials on all of the earlier editions. And though the 2016 launch edition had a titanium case, this new version is equipped with a titanium bracelet as well, a first for the collection.
The 2016 launch edition was released in two versions: a limited edition (250 pieces) Black Phantom and a regular edition still in the current catalog with a skeleton dial, rubber strap. Ceramic cased editions were later added to the catalog. The current catalog lists7 models, with prices currently range from SGD 24,400 to SGD 37,050.
Otherwise, the movement remains unchanged, which to us is a good thing, as this remains the most affordable chronograph tourbillon, at least one manufactured in-house in Switzerland. And with 5 years in service, should prove reliable and trustworthy.
Heuer 02T release details
The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T was first showcased at Baselworld in 2016, where it enthused the audience with its COSC-certified self-winding chronograph movement with a flying tourbillon.
A symbol of technology and an example of total control of industrial processes and manufacturing costs, the Carrera Heuer 02T movement features a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and anultra-light carbon and titanium tourbillon cage. But one of the main challenges for the La Chaux-de- Fonds watchmakers was to house the chronograph functions, the self-winding mechanism and the flying tourbillon in a calibre with a diameter of 31 mm. All this while ensuring an ideal distance between the subdials to give it a contemporary look.
It is the same movement that pulses in this limited edition, but this time, the watch impresses in blue, from the bridges of the tourbillon cage to the rubber that protects the crown and push buttons. For the first time, the Carrera Heuer 02T has thus shed its slim-line body and now has a full dial with a blue sunray design creating the most beautiful effect. Even the ceramic tachymetric bezel is finished in this cerulean blue with hypnotising reflections. The oscillating mass has been given a PVD coating so as not to be out of place in this azure composition.
Fitted with a 45 mm grade 2 titanium case, this chronograph has another surprise in store. Previously sporting alligator straps sewn on black rubber, or even just soft rubber, it dares to make the switch to this new model with a grade 2 titanium strap. That is a first! In addition to its lightness, this material gives this Carrera Heuer 02T timepiece a sporty yet elegant look. This exceptional watch is priced at 20,500 Swiss francs.
Facts and figures: Carrera Calibre HEUER02T COSC
Reference CAR5A8C.BF0707
MOVEMENT
Calibre HEUER02T COSC
CASE
45mm diameter
Titanium grade 5 polished, fine brushed case
Ceramic blue polished tachymeter fixed bezel ;
domed, beveled sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
Blue rubber, titanium grade 5 standard crown at 3 o’clock
Titanium grade 5 round push button at 2 o’clock
Titanium grade 5 round push button at 4 o’clock
Titanium grade 5 screwed sapphire case back with special
engraving, limited numbered xxx/250
Water resistance : 100 meters
DIAL
Blue sunray brushed dial
3 counters:
– 3 o’clock : rhodium plated polished, “azurage” minute
chronograph counter ; rhodium plated polished hand
– 6 o’clock : blue tourbillon
– 9 o’clock : rhodium plated polished, “azurage” hour
chronograph counter ; rhodium plated polished hand
Rhodium plated polished applied indexes with white
superluminova®
Rhodium plated polished hour and minute hands with white
superluminova®
Rhodium plated, blue central hand
Rhodium plated, blue TAG HEUER applied logo
Carrera Heuer 02 T Chronograph Chronometer printed
STRAP
Titanium grade 5 H-shape bracelet
Alternate finish titanium grade 5 folding clasp with double
safety push-buttons; TAG Heuer shield
Available from February 2021
