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TAG Heuer Carrera 2014 versus Carrera 2021

TAG Heuer Carrera 2014 versus Carrera 2021

TAG Heuer Carrera 2014 versus Carrera 2021
Date
29. 11. 2021
Author
Petr Matějek

After seven years, a new generation of the Carrera model is coming: what has actually changed, since at first glance the new model looks the same as its predecessor?

Although we introduced the new TAG Heuer Porsche Carrera Edition model at the beginning of this year, which immediately took the world by storm, I don't consider it the highlight of the season. Simply because models that are significantly less pompous and less acclaimed are more significant in the annals of watchmaking history. This is also the case with the new three-hand Carrera, which saw the light of day only recently. I would rather put the word "new" in quotation marks, because if you compare the 2014 model with the current one (2021), you won't notice any changes at first glance.

A little history to start with  

Before we move on to the model itself, it is good to know at least the basic background behind what is now an icon representing sporty, elegant watches as a category. The story of Carrera began with Jack Heuer, who joined the company in the 1950s. It was then that the world's most dangerous car race, the Carrera Panamericana, began, claiming the lives of 27 spectators and drivers in just five years.

In addition to the exciting event itself, Jack Heuer was captivated by the name Carrera, which sounded good in most languages. Inspired by the race, Heuer introduced a simple chronograph with a silver dial in 1963, whose main purpose was to provide perfect readability. As it later turned out, he was obsessed with it.

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Footnote

Not to forget, the Daytona model from Rolex, also inspired by car racing, was created in the same period, i.e. in 1962. Why am I mentioning Rolex in this story? To give a little more context about the realities of the time and the development of the product itself. Jack decided to use a mechanical chronograph with a date and layout typical of a stopwatch. He bought a Valjoux 72, asked his case supplier to provide him with mock-ups, and finally approached a dial manufacturer, in this case Singer. The same company supplied dials for the Carrera (1963) and an almost identical dial for the Rolex Daytona (1962). As a result, watches from that period and from several brands often looked almost identical, because apart from the logo, they were essentially the same.

The new three-hand Carrera for 2021

Now to the watches themselves. I personally wear the WAR201E.FC model. It is a model introduced in 2014 that has been with me to this day. I deliberately did not photograph the watch because it has been through a lot with me during that time and at work, so it is no longer in the best condition. I borrowed the same model with a steel bracelet from the warehouse, which is more suitable for comparison. 

Gallery (3)

Case

Let's get to the comparison itself. In terms of case size, nothing has changed—both have a diameter of 41 millimeters. However, TAG Heuer has redesigned the lugs, which are now shorter, resulting in a better fit on the wrist. I can say for myself that I am about 180 centimeters tall, weigh 93 kilograms, and consider myself to be an average, attractive member of the population. The previous model fits me very well, and I have never had to worry about the size of the lugs. Even the SOH 46 or Yacht Club from IWC with a diameter of 45 millimeters fits me well. Nevertheless, the new Carrera still fits perfectly.

The change concerns the back cover, which now has a more complex design with an additional facet. For me, the biggest difference in terms of wearability is the thickness of the case. It never bothered me with the previous version and it never will. The three-hand Carrera with a diameter of 41 millimeters has always represented the golden ratio of width to thickness for me. Nevertheless, the engineers put in more effort and slimmed down the case a little more. Don't ask me by how much, I don't know, I don't care, but when I put the watches side by side, it's noticeable. If you have the previous model and are interested in the new one, rest assured—the slimness won't bother you. The finish itself has also undergone a change. While the previous version had polished sides, just like the rest of the case, the new model has matte sides. And the crown is smaller.

Dial

The biggest change has taken place here, starting with the new logo and larger Carrera lettering. The indices, minute and hour hands have been redesigned, and the name "CALIBRE 5 Automatic" has disappeared from the "6" position, replaced by the inscription "Automatic."

I can't help feeling that the dial surface is smaller in the new generation, probably due to the slightly darker shade of blue. In addition, the dial of the new Carrera no longer has the classic "sunburst" effect of its predecessor.

Bracelet

The steel bracelet has also undergone subtle tuning, particularly in terms of the size of the individual links. They are smaller and therefore more delicate. This affects the impression they make when worn on the wrist.

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Movement

It can be said that no stone was left unturned here. The long-used movement, known internally as Calibre 5, has been an ETA movement with a 38-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz since the first generation, supplemented by a Day-Date complication.

Gallery (3)

Conclusion

What do I think about the generational change? This model, or rather its predecessor, was one of the best-selling models on our market and the Czech market. If we look at the statistics, the absolute best-selling model was the WAR201E model with a blue leather strap. I can easily explain why: blue started to become very popular around 2014, which was when the model was launched, and the technical nature of the case corresponded better with a leather strap. Therefore, TAG Heuer had to approach the Carrera model very sensitively, which had an impact on the final result.

For me personally, this Carrera represents the true essence of the old TAG Heuer and the true essence of what Jack Heuer had in mind when he designed the model. It's true that many people might argue that the real Carrera has a stopwatch, but I beg to differ. The original Carrera with a chronograph was a tool watch. Just like this new Carrera, only its mission remained far more prosaic – a timeless accessory with a time-telling function.

You can find more details about the new Carrera models in our e-shop:

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