TAG Heuer At LVMH Watch Week: Three Carreras, Three Expressions Of Precision
3 min read
At LVMH Watch Week 2026, TAG Heuer reaffirmed why the Carrera remains one of modern horology’s most versatile canvases. From high-complication chronograph mastery to motorsport-driven performance and a poetic nod to sailing heritage, the Maison unveiled three distinct Carrera chronographs each reflecting a different facet of TAG Heuer’s identity, yet united by technical rigour and contemporary design.
Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph: Mechanical Virtuosity, Elevated
Leading the trio is the TAG Heuer Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph, a sophisticated reimagining of the brand’s rattrapante legacy. Crafted in 42mm grade 5 titanium, the watch balances lightness with strength, while its proportions remain resolutely elegant: a clear signal that this is a collector-focused proposition.
The sapphire dial is the star of the show. Transparent and layered, it reveals the Calibre TH81-01 beneath, with subtly smoked chronograph subdials creating depth and contrast. Applied counters with red-lacquered accents, skeletonised rhodium-plated hands with Super-LumiNova®, and curved applied indexes ensure legibility despite the visual complexity. The result is clarity without compromise.
Inside, the split-seconds chronograph allows two elapsed times to be measured simultaneously, executed with exceptional precision. TAG Heuer’s double sapphire glassbox construction both front and back creates the illusion of a floating movement, spotlighting the intricately finished bridges decorated with the Maison’s signature checkered-flag motif. Paired with a black rubber strap featuring textile embossing, each individually numbered piece is delivered in dedicated high-end packaging, underlining its exclusivity.
Carrera Chronograph: Racing DNA, Refined Power
If the split-seconds chronograph speaks to collectors, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 41mm is pure motorsport attitude: bold, precise, and unmistakably Carrera. Its black circular-brushed dial, framed by a subtle red outer ring, channels TAG Heuer’s racing heritage with confidence. The classic tricompax layout is elevated through red-lacquered chronograph hands, while the “azurage” sub-counters sit beneath the signature glassbox sapphire crystal and three-dimensional flange, adding depth and immediacy. A tachymeter scale completes the performance-driven aesthetic.
Powering the watch is the in-house Calibre TH20-01, an automatic chronograph movement featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch for precise engagement and smooth operation. With an 80-hour power reserve, bi-directional winding and 100-metre water resistance, it is engineered for endurance as much as accuracy. The seven-row steel bracelet inspired by TAG Heuer’s historic beads-of-rice design delivers flexibility and comfort, while an engraved Victory Wreath on the rear lug serves as a subtle symbol of achievement and competitive spirit.
Carrera Chronograph Seafarer: Timing the Tides
Rounding out the releases is the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer, a contemporary revival of one of the Maison’s most evocative historic designs. Inspired by a vintage Heuer Seafarer produced for Abercrombie & Fitch, this 42mm steel chronograph bridges maritime heritage with modern engineering.
The beige opalin dial is animated by teal and yellow accents, evoking the visual language of classic sailing instruments. At 3 o’clock, the sub-counter references regatta timing, while at 9 o’clock sits the watch’s defining feature: a tide indicator, operated via the dedicated “TIDE” push button, displaying the expected time of the next high or low tide.
Driving this complication is the in-house Calibre TH20-04, which integrates the tide mechanism alongside a column wheel and vertical clutch chronograph. With bi-directional winding and 100-metre water resistance, it is as functional on deck as it is refined on land. The fine-brushed steel case is paired with TAG Heuer’s bezel-free glassbox sapphire crystal, enhancing legibility from every angle. A seven-row beads-of-rice bracelet ensures balance and comfort, complemented by an additional textile strap with blue stitching for a more nautical expression. On the sapphire caseback, the Victory Wreath once again appears- a quiet nod to success and good fortune.
Three Carreras, One Philosophy
Together, these three releases underline TAG Heuer’s ability to evolve the Carrera without diluting its essence. Whether through high-complication chronograph expertise, race-ready precision, or a poetic maritime complication, each watch speaks to a different collector yet all remain unmistakably Carrera.
At LVMH Watch Week, TAG Heuer didn’t just present new watches. It presented a reminder: the Carrera is not a single story, but a platform one that continues to move seamlessly between heritage, innovation, and modern performance.
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