Brickyard Bound: TAG Heuer Releases New Indy 500 Novelties (Hands-On)

TAG Heuer releases two special limited edition watches to commemorate the 103rd running of the Indy 500.

By Josh Shanks

Contributor

TAG Heuer is no stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and as official timing partner of the NTT IndyCar Series and official timepiece of the Indy 500, TAG Heuer has come to Indy in a big way. As you may have seen, Watchonista was on-hand at last year's Indy 500 and we even took an in-depth look at the history of TAG Heuer and motorsport.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 INDY 500 Special Edition

For the past four years, TAG Heuer has partnered with Indy 500 organizers to become the official timekeeper of the race. Last year saw the introduction of a Heuer 01 chronograph and a Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph. You can read about those pieces HERE.

Fan favorite, Robert Wickens

TAG Heuer ambassador Alexander Rossi on track at Indy

The "Month of May" always promises to be an exhilarating time for motorsports fans. Today we're bringing you an exclusive hands-on look at two special edition pieces released just in time for the 103rd running of the Indy 500.

The iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway pagoda, with TAG Heuer branding

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 INDY 500 Special Edition

For 2019, TAG Heuer has created a special Indy 500 edition of the Carrera Calibre 16 chronograph. Contrary to the Heuer 01, this year's edition is a more accessibly priced ($4,350 on leather, $4,500 on bracelet) Calibre 16 automatic chronograph. Sized at 41mm, this piece is sure to excite IndyCar and TAG Heuer fans alike. Featuring a matte black dial with white registers and offering perfect readability under Indy's daunting summer sun.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph Indy 500 Special Edition

What sets this Carrera Calibre 16 apart from the production models is the red Indy 500 branding placed at one o'clock on the black ceramic bezel and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway logo at the six o'clock hour register. The caseback is also emblazoned with the logo for the 103rd running of the Indy 500. This piece should be available soon at your nearest TAG Heuer boutique or retailer.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 INDY 500 Special Edition

TAG Heuer Formula 1 INDY 500 Special Edition

While Formula 1 and IndyCar are two entirely separate racing series, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 chronograph does offer the perfect platform for this accessibly priced quartz-based chrono. For 2019, TAG Heuer has opted for a black motif which neatly pairs the Carrera Calibre 16. Priced at just $1,700, this fan-favorite is sure to entice even the casual race day observer.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 INDY 500 Special Edition

Sized at 43mm and only available on a bracelet, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 INDY 500 Special Edition is a racing-style chronograph priced for the everyday collector. Like the Carrera Calibre 16, the Formula 1 Indy 500 edition features prominent Indy 500 and Speedway branding on the bezel and six o'clock markers. Unlike the Carrera Calibre 16, this Formula 1 Indy 500 piece features a closed (but engraved) caseback. This piece will also be available soon at your nearest TAG Heuer boutique or retailer.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 INDY 500 Special Edition

In less than 80 days (May 26th) over 400,000 people will pack the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indy 500. The 2019 edition promises to be one of the most exciting races to date.

The crowd at the Indy 500

See you at Indy!

A few storylines to look out for in 2019 are Fernando Alonso's second attempt at securing the unofficial Triple Crown of motorsports (winning Monaco, Le Man, and Indy 500), the unprecedented number of former F1 drivers in the field, and finally, perhaps Helio Castroneves last Indy 500?