TAG Heuer Carrera Chrono Tourbillon Polychrome: A Love Affair In Technocolor

TAG Heuer has a longstanding and close relationship with the world of car racing. Steve McQueen wore the brand in his famous movie 'Le Mans,' and today TAG Heuer sits on the wrist of Max Verstappen, the current Formula one world champion. This automotive DNA further comes to life in the new Carrera Chrono Tourbillon Polychrome. While I expected TAG Heuer to prominently highlight its automotive history in relation to the various aspects of this new chronograph, the press release was rather factual and not overly marketing-driven. I must say that I find this a breath of fresh air, as many press releases tend to be, let me call it, 'overly creative.'

In all honesty, I wouldn't have much trouble pointing out some details that could very well be race-related. The case and lugs of this TAG Heuer are made from forged carbon, which could be seen as a nice nod to the brake pads of a race car. The center case is from Grade 5 titanium which is a material also used for car exhausts. A black PVD coating brings it visually in line with the forged carbon fiber. Both materials also keep the weight down, which is very important if you want to be competitive on the track, but for a 45mm large watch it greatly helps with wearing comfort. With some imagination, the skeletonized dial can be seen as the frame of a race car, but what about the colors? Ever seen light hit oil or gasoline? Those colors now decorate the dial, and I think it looks sensational. It makes the Carrera Chrono Tourbillon even more captivating.

The best part is that TAG Heuer applies the same colors on the oscillating weight on the back. It is the result of a patented process called Positive Coating. It is in essence a PVD coating in which the material is applied in different thicknesses, varying only a few nanometers, which ultimately creates the dashing color gradient. TAG Heuer also scores some bonus points, not for setting the fastest lap, but for offering superb water resistance. 10ATM/100 meters for a chronograph tourbillon is almost unheard of. It is not really a quality we can attribute to a race car, although it might help when crossing a river in your Land Rover or Landcruiser.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chrono Tourbillon Polychrome is priced at $24,050 and available at TAG Heuer's online and physical boutiques as well as select retail partners.

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