The following presentation covers the history of the TAG Heuer Carrera, from Heuer’s introduction of the first models in 1963 through the special models TAG Heuer has introduced in 2023, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Carrera.  The presentation was prepared in August 2023, and does not cover the models introduced by TAG Heuer since then.

Over the last 60 years, the Carrera has been a remarkably versatile collection for TAG Heuer.  We have seen chronographs and “three-hand” watches; power has been provided by manual-winding, automatic and quartz movements; case sizes have varied from 28 millimeters up to 45 millimeters; models have been designed to meet the needs of racers, engineers, sailors, doctors and many other specialties. Styles have ranged from minimalist models that were issued to military pilots to oversized models with diamonds on the dials, bezels, cases and bracelets.

Over the period from 1963 through 2023, TAG Heuer has produced over 600 versions of the Carrera.  Looking back over these models, we can say that most have remained true to the original mission of the Carrera — to offer rugged, reliable chronographs, with excellent legibility, in styles that will look good at the racetrack or at the dinner party.

Jeff Stein
December 31, 2023