TAG Heuer replica presents the new Carrera Chronograph in an 18K yellow gold (3N) case. Inspired by the yellow gold Carrera Chronograph model (Ref. 1158 CHN) introduced for the first time in the collection in 1970, the gold and black two-tone dial is reproduced in a gold case to catch the eye.
The brushed and polished solid yellow gold case of the Carrera Chronograph is 42 mm in diameter, the same size as the previous steel version. The black and gold two-tone design code that runs through the entire replica watches is the Lotus team’s Formula One, which applied the famous two-tone color palette called John Player Special livery in the 1970s and 1980s. (F1) It is said that it was inspired by the exterior of the sports car 98T Lotus. The 98T Lotus rose to prominence in the mid-1980s thanks to the performance of TAG Heuer’s ambassador, Ayrton Senna.
However, the details of the dial are different from the Carrera 1158 CHN of the 1970s. Unlike the panda-style original model with a black counter applied to a gold background, a gilt (gold) color counter with an azuré effect applied to the deep black dial with a sunray brushed finish reveals a visible difference. The material of the index and hands is not gold, but it is plated in yellow gold color to contribute to a unified design. The date is displayed in a separate window at 6 o’clock along with the stable tricompax layout configuration.
The movement, like its predecessors, is the Heuer 02, an in-house automatic chronograph caliber with column wheel and vertical clutch. It guarantees a long power reserve of 80 hours and has been certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Institute (COSC). The exclusive movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback. The strap is fitted with a yellow gold pin buckle along with a black alligator leather strap.
The Carrera Chronograph Yellow Gold Model (Ref. CBN2044.FC8313) will be available from this month at select TAG Heuer boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide, and is not a limited edition. The domestic launch price is 28.27 million won.