Introducing: The TAG Heuer Carrera 'Tte de Vipre' Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer

March 21, 2018

The Carrera turns 55 this year, and TAG Heuer is commemorating this major product line with a tourbillon chronograph chronometer certified by the Besan?on Observatory, just over the border from Switzerland in neighboring France. The certification, whose name means "Viper's Head," is exceedingly rare. According to TAG Heuer, it's been applied to only 500 watches in all to date. Here, you can see the stamp on the watch's bridge. The new watch comes in a 45mm blue ceramic case. It features the Heuer-02T movement, a caliber that preceded the Heuer 02 chronograph movement that has seen widespread use at TAG Heuer of late, most notably in the company's Autavia range.? Initial Thoughts This is a big ceramic tourbillon chronograph that comes in the modern interpretation of the Carrera case, a watch design that I have already written bears more than a glancing resemblance to the Hublot Big Bang. This 155-piece limited edition probably isn't the kind of watch design that is likely to attract many HODINKEE readers' attention, but it is a testament to where TAG Heuer has come in terms of movement production. Thanks to the caliber in this watch, I learned last year from TAG Heuer representatives, the watchmaker is currently the largest maker of tourbillons in Switzerland. Pricing is not currently available for this new watch, but a similar non-ceramic-cased timepiece with this movement launched in 2016 with a price below CHF 15,000. The Basics Brand: TAG HeuerModel: Carrera "Tte de Vipre" Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer Reference Number: CAR5A93.FC6442Diameter: 45mmCase Material: Blue ceramicDial Color: Black skeleton with rhodium-plated countersIndexes: Rhodium-plated indexes with blue SuperLuminovaLume: Yes, on hands and indexesWater Resistance: 100 metersStrap/Bracelet: Matte black alligator sewn onto black rubber with blue stitching The Movement Caliber: Heuer 02TFunctions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, tourbillonDiameter: 32mmPower Reserve: 65Winding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)Jewels: 33Chronometer Certified? Pricing & Availability Price: Coming soonAvailability: Coming soonLimited Edition: 155 piecesFor more click here.