In February 2021, TAG Heuer and Porsche formed one of the strongest partnerships ever seen between a car brand and a watchmaker. After five delightful timepieces, they are now introducing their sixth creation: the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing, a model that showcases the enduring passion for racing shared by both brands.
The Swiss watchmaker and the Stuttgart-based company both boast a rich history, an independent and powerful mindset, and a dedication to design excellence. For around 70 years, their paths have been meeting and intertwining on and off the racetrack. The solid and lasting bond between TAG Heuer and Porsche comes mainly from their joint roots in motorsports, with one of the most obvious common threads undoubtedly being the Carrera name itself. As you all know, the Carrera Panamericana is a legendary race, reputed to be one of the most dangerous in the world. It inspired both Porsche, which won its first class victory at the Carrera Panamericana race in 1954 and named its most powerful model in its honor, and Jack Heuer, who decided to name his new 1963 chronograph accordingly after hearing about the race’s highly evocative name from the Rodriguez brothers in Sebring in 1962.
The Porsche 911 Carrera and the TAG Heuer Carrera have since each become icons, celebrated in Paris on the occasion of the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7’s 50th anniversary in 2022. It is so natural that the two partners decided to develop a new special edition of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph as the perfect symbol of their racing heritage.
With such a strong heritage shared with Porsche in the racing field, we are excited to present a new watch that embodies every aspect of this incredible sport. It is also a nod to the history shared by TAG Heuer and Porsche – a history on which we continue to build. Together, with their expertise and creativity, our teams have created a bold and powerful timepiece encased in a sporty yet elegant design.
Frédéric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing upholds the quality and performance offered by the in-house Calibre Heuer 02, a movement manufactured entirely at TAG Heuer’s Chevenez facility and consisting of 168 parts, including a column wheel and a vertical clutch. These features allow for exceptional chronometric performance and offer an impressive power reserve of 80 hours.
The design of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing keeps with the unmistakable Porsche aesthetic but also, most importantly, the racing universe that surrounds it. The vibrant orange color can be found throughout the watch, inspired by the color of the heat sparks made by the car on the asphalt. It also nods to the color of fire, an emblematic symbol of speed. This orange color can be seen on the Porsche logo on the bezel, as well as on the lacquer on the crown and the graphic details present in small touches on the dial, with “azuré” counters and an orange seconds hand. Another key color in this special edition is black, which elegantly reinforces the brightness of the orange by contrast. To create this harmonious finish with tasteful touches of color, the TAG Heuer designers have used black in various textures and finishings.
The case has been given the highest-quality black treatment possible – diamond-like carbon (DLC), with its extremely deep, elegant color and unfailing resistance. The black dial finishing is inspired by kinetics and speed. One legacy from the 2021 and 2022 TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche is the custom-designed oscillating weight, which pays homage to the Porsche steering wheel. The weight is visible through the sapphire glass case back and is labelled with “Porsche” and “TAG Heuer” and features black and orange touches, such as the column wheel, harmoniously tying together the design of this new watch. Lastly, the timepiece’s carbon-like calfskin strap – in black, highlighting the vivid orange – is the perfect finishing touch to the racing inspiration of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing. Its stitching is a subtle nod to the seat upholstery of Porsche cars, with the dramatic contrast of the orange stitching and lining hinting at the racing marks cars make at high speed.
The Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing is now available and sold in TAG Heuer boutiques, on the brand’s e-commerce websites, and at select retail partners.
