Autumn In New York: The TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Goes For A Drive

We put TAG Heuer’s Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm collection to the test with a drive through the fall foliage of upstate New York.

Discover The TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph collection

By Josh Shanks

Contributor

There are few more extraordinary sensations than that of a crisp fall morning. We awoke at the crack of dawn, and as is customary in my household, we brewed a pot of Kauai coffee and planned our route for what was to be an exciting day with TAG Heuer's new Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm and a modern Porsche 911.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Deep Blue (ref. CBN2A1A.BA0643)

Autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting?

As we strapped ourselves into the cockpit of our test car, a Porsche 911, I was far more excited to experience the watch on my wrist than I was the mid-engine German sports car, and that's saying a lot as we had a lot of twists and turns ahead on our adventure!

We plotted a course up U.S. Route 9, which we met shortly after the George Washington Bridge. After passing the hustle and bustle of New York City, we soon entered Yonkers. While we certainly were tempted to take the off-ramp and put a bet on our favorite horse, we knew that this day held a much different adventure.

The road soon turned more scenic as we drove through Hastings-on-Hudson and Sleepy Hollow. It was there that we made our detour and found several winding scenic back roads perfectly suited for the 911's handling capabilities.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Rose Gold (ref. CBN2A5A.FC6481)

About The TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm

Introduced over the summer, the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm collection is a modern yet-sporty addition to the Carrera collection. The models are part of TAG Heuer’s 160^th-anniversary celebrations, which Watchonista’s Jeff Stein profiled HERE.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Deep Blue (ref. CBN2A1A.BA0643)

As the name implies, the Carrera Sport Chronograph is sized at 44mm. All four models are encased in stainless steel and come fitted to either an "H-Shaped" bracelet or leather strap. A slightly domed sapphire crystal provides optimum readability and prevents glare during a fall drive.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Rose Gold (ref. CBN2A5A.FC6481)

For our excursion to upstate New York, we received all four editions of the Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm. And while all of the models are quite striking, I prefer the black on black variant (ref. CBN2A1B.BA0643). When paired with a modern Porsche 911, this watch felt right at home.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Rose Gold (ref. CBN2A5A.FC6481)

Discover The TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Rose Gold (ref. CBN2A5A.FC6481)

Except for the olive green (ref. CBN2A10.BA0643) version, the Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm all feature color-matched dials and ceramic tachymeter bezel. From deep blue (ref. CBN2A1A.BA0643) to elegant two-tone steel and rose gold (ref. CBN2A5A.FC6481), there are a wide variety of options available within the collection.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Deep Blue (ref. CBN2A1A.BA0643)

Notably, the olive green version paired well with the crisp fall glow. And though the leaves may change colors every fall, this variant of the Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm is sure to delight for years to come.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Olive Green (ref. CBN2A10.BA0643)

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Deep Blue (ref. CBN2A1A.BA0643)

Discover The TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm

Technical Details

Powered by the in-house TAG Heuer Calibre Heuer 02, the Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm boasts a power reserve of 80 hours and beats at 28,800 vph. The movement and rotor are visible through a sapphire crystal caseback.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Deep Blue (ref. CBN2A1A.BA0643)

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Rose Gold (ref. CBN2A5A.FC6481)

While the Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm’s movement is marginally thinner (.35mm to be exact) than its Heuer 01 powered Carrera counterparts, the Carrera Sport Chronograph makes up for its case thickness with a bevy of technical achievements.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Olive Green (ref. CBN2A10.BA0643)

This column-wheel chronograph movement is extraordinarily finished, and to top it off, the Heuer 02 is Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) certified. Which is an achievement that less than 3% of Swiss Made watches obtain.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Deep Blue (ref. CBN2A1A.BA0643)

Road Testing

While we certainly didn’t set out to set any lap records on that day, the Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm was a welcome addition to the ride. Its dial layout was intuitive, with three chronograph registers for hours, minutes, and running seconds. Additionally, the date placement at 6 o'clock felt right at home and not too big, yet not too small to be readable.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Rose Gold (ref. CBN2A5A.FC6481)

The chronograph pushers have a robust feel to them, and when activated, the action felt smooth and deliberate. The large crown can be easily manipulated, even with driving gloves, and feels entirely secure when setting the time.

TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Olive Green (ref. CBN2A10.BA0643)

Collectors surely don’t need to drive a sports car while enjoying the Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm, but doing so unquestionably adds to this collection's enjoyment and motorsport feel.