Last Updated on May 27, 2019 by Calibre 11

The evolution of the Carrera range continues apace with the launch of a second model to use the style and modular construction of the Carrera Heuer-01- the Carrera Heuer-01 43mm. As the name suggests, the easiest way to think of the new watch is that it offers a traditional dial in place of a Skeleton dial, combined with a smaller case size.

And, to our eyes, both of those changes offer real improvement on the larger Heuer-01, giving greater legibility. Yes, the result is a more conservative watch than the spectacular Skeleton dial of the 45mm model, but the new dial certainly expands the appeal of the range.

The case size question is entirely personal- some would love a case larger than the current 45mm of the Carrera Heuer-01, while we tend to prefer case sizes below 41mm…either way, there is now greater choice in the Carrera range.

Currently there are three models in the range- two steel models one one in titanium, but it’s not hard to see the range expanding in 2017 with the likely addition of Gold and Ceramic versions.

Carrera Heuer-01 43mm Black Dial- CAR201Z

The new Carrera comes in two dial colours- Black and Anthracite, each of which can be paired with either the rubber strap shown here or TAG Heuer’s H-Link bracelet.

The watch combines the new interpretation of the classic Carrera case with a dial very similar to that offered on the popular Day-Date models for the last few years and in the familiar 6-9-12 layout.

Carrera Heuer-01 43mm Anthracite Dial- CAR201W

The starburst Anthracite dial is a favourite in the Carrera range and looks great in these shots.

Carrera Heuer-01 43mm Titanium- CAR208Z

As with the 45mm Heuer-01 Carrera, TAG Heuer has also made available a titanium model, which comes with one dial option- anthracite. This model is easily picked from the steel watches by the use of a titanium, rather than black ceramic, bezel. While there’s no choice of dial colour, you can choose either the rubber strap or bracelet. Look closer still, and you’ll see that the upper chronograph pusher has a black rather than red ring- another difference between the steel and titanium models.

Movement

No surprises inside: the new Carrera offers the Heuer-01 movement, a development of the Calibre 1887 movement launched by TAG Heuer in late 2009. What we did discover was that Calibre 1887/ Heuer-01 production going forward will focus on this new model and its larger brother- the “traditional” Carrera cases, such as the 41mm Carrera 1887 (CAR2011) will use Calibre 16.

As production of the Heuer-01/ Calibre 1887 expands that may change, but in the short-term if you want a Carrera with an in-house movement, then that means the Heuer-01 family

On the Wrist

2017 Updates

TAG Heuer has launched a new range of straps for the Carrera Heuer-01 43mm- here are the two new variants.

CAR201W.FT6095

CAR201W.FT6122

Price and Availability- Carrera Heuer-01 43mm

No official word on pricing and availability yet, other than to expect these from September onwards. Pricing will be similar to the 45mm model, with a difference of only a few hundred Dollars/ Euros/ Francs.

We’ll bring you a full review closer to the watch’s launch.

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