The exquisite, unusual new creation from Tag Heuer, the Carrera Heuer-01 Full Black Matt Ceramic, is another notable timepiece that will make its debut at this month’s SIHH in Geneva. Baroque Access has all the details
The latest offering from world-famous Swiss horologists Tag Heuer is a dark, brooding timepiece, completely created from micro-blasted black ceramic with a steel core. Called the Carrera Heuer-01 Full Black Matt Ceramic, this masterpiece will be one of the debuts on show at Geneva’s famous Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) watch fair held in Switzerland between 16 and 20 January 2017.
The watch case, bezel, lugs, and case band of the Carrera Heuer-01 Full Black Matt Ceramic are, as its name implies, all made from this special micro-blasted black ceramic. The steel core is where the precisely fitted screws, gaskets, and threaded components are placed. The case back is made from satin-finished black titanium carbide with a sapphire crystal disc in the center. Inside the relatively large 45mm case is Tag Heuer’s legendary T Caliber 01 movement that offers a 50-hour power reserve. The movement is also equipped with a column-wheel chronograph mechanism and offers automatic winding.
This new model of the Carrera Heuer-01 boasts a skeletonized dial: all the components of the movement are visible behind the three sub dials. As these are all-black, this gives the watch a very dramatic appearance. The 2017 watch is available with either a matt black ceramic strap or a sporty rubber strap. The black ceramic bracelet features a folding buckle made from carbide-coated steel. It offers a double push-piece safety mechanism as well. The watches, either the one with the ceramic bracelet or the one with the rubber strap, are expected to be priced between $6,300 and $7,000.
Tag Heuer’s Caliber Heuer 01 chronograph movement was first introduced at Baselworld in Switzerland two years ago in 2015. The brand’s aim was to attract younger customers, and the Carrera Heuer 01 has since become Tag Heuer’s best-selling model. The new iteration of the timepiece for 2017 is a first for Tag Heuer, as it features an all-ceramic case and bracelet, which gives it a bold, sporty look. Other advantages of using ceramic is that the material is very scratch-resistant, its color does not fade and it’s also hypoallergenic.