TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph X Porsche Orange Racing
Cars & motorsport
One for the Books: The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing Special Edition
The apt collaboration between TAG Heuer and Porsche yields a new dynamic timepiece that captures the interconnecting juices of both fast-moving companies. In brilliant orange, to boot.
By Mike Espindle
Executive Editor
While the psychographics of performance car fandom and performance watch fandom can overlap considerably, carmaker and watch brand collaborations tend to come and go (pun intended). Anyone remember Jaeger-LeCoultre’s all-too-brief partnership with Aston Martin? Or how about Richard Mille’s flirtation with carmaker McLaren?
On the flip side, many more-thoughtful alliances smack of a more cohesive and permanent marriage: A la Aston Martin’s current relationship with Gerard-Perregaux and Richard Mille’s latest work with Ferrari. After all, the storied Breitling/Bentley collaboration lasted nearly two decades before ending in 2021.
Destined for Greatness
The latest carmaker and watch brand collaboration that appears to have good, strong legs is the well-conceived partnership between TAG Heuer and Porsche (and not just because they share the word “Carrera” between both of their esteemed histories).
Since the announcement of the partnership in 2021, we’ve seen two extra-techy Carrera Porsche Chronographs joined by two colorful Porsche Carrera 911RS 2.7 limited editions and a stunning black-with-vibrant-yellow-details limited edition of the TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche chronograph.
So, we’re already talking an abundance of collaborative efforts with really only a full year under the belt. Yet, in a recent Zoom press conference, TAG Heuer executives pointed to a possibility of decades of TAG/Porsche collaborative timepieces.
Well, I, for one, can’t wait.
Pole Position
The $7,050 TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing is the latest product of this match made in performance-heaven. And, launched just last week, it might be the most appealing and in-your-face of the executions so far.
On the eve of the release, Robert Ader, Chief Marketing Officer at Porsche AG, said: “The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing is all about the racing universe and represents the high performance and thrill of speed, values that we share deeply with TAG Heuer, and is a fine example of our common mindset as we continue our exciting journey as partners.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Built on the legendary 168-part Calibre Heuer 02 chronograph movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch, this latest track-inspired model is, of course, ready to deliver highly accurate lap timings and an 80-hour power reserve. But there is something so uncannily “race-y” about the orange-and-black colorway, next-gen materials, and overall design that earns this new timepiece the checkered flag.
Orange You Glad?
The eye-catching orange furnishings of the second hand, sub-dial frames, gauging and hand tips, dial outline, bezel signage, crown ring, exhibition back badging, strap stitching, and strap back lining details pop so well from the multitude of black textures used by TAG designers. It’s a fiery combination that evokes contact sparks, race car livery, dash instrumentation, and even road cones to gorgeous effect.
But it is the black that cranks the ignition for everything: black DLC for the 44mm steel case and clasp, black ceramic for the bezel, and woven carbon-like black calfskin for the strap. You can start your engines, but mine is already throttling and spitting. And, as this is officially a special edition, not a limited edition, let the race begin!
You can visit the brand’s website for more information, but the TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing is available as you read this.
(Images © TAG Heuer)
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