As a watch journalist in 2020, based in Europe under the draconian rule of the pandemic, it’s easy to lose perspective and here is a particular example. Despite my missionary preachings and personal taste, 38-39 millimeters is not the goldilocks size for everyone. So with this self-realization in mind, fake TAG Heuer Elegant collection is pitch perfect at what for most buyers are a medium at 42mm. And there is not a shadow of a doubt that these four strong contenders from La Chaux-de-Fonds are likely to hit a sweet spot as a modern takes on a stone cold classic.
The four references here are based on the same classic Carrera case, yet shows just how much colours, accents and strap choices can ransform your wrist-worn favourite. The Swiss made replica TAG Heuer Carrera watches is as resilient and adaptable as ever in 2020, in these four sleeker, more suit-ready takes on the larger more muscular Carrera Sport Chronograph collection.
The Case
We have seen the shape before, one of the most iconic shapes, echoing the heyday of the sports chronograph around 50 years ago, sharpened yet familiar. The recognisable Carrera case remains perfectly proportioned, which is surely its calling card. Aesthetics. Balance. And balance is more prominent in the Elegant collection than the Chronograph Sports, with a dynamic between dial and case body underlined by the slim, smooth bezel.
It plays well with the faceted, angled lugs, and the play of light is delicate in the well defined brushed body with its polished top. Purposeful looking pushers and a large, tool of a crown toughens up the elegant image just-so. Everyday solidity is ensured by a sapphire crystal and case back, and a 100m depth rating. Once again running the risk of contradicting myself, if you love the classic 160th Carrera but have a more manly wrist than me and a more slender wallet, then yes this is a classic, medium sized alternative packing a proper punch.
The Dials that make all the difference
The four aaa quality copy TAG Heuer are infused with just the right balance of sports and elegance, the perfect mix in a 2020 of tuxedos with steel sports watches popping out of the cuff rather than a delicate slim gold watch. So far so perfect, and the four references sit securely on a four-tiered ladder of elegance, starting with the toughest looking one in the group, with the pure monochromatic elegance of black and steel.
Reference CBN2010.BA0642 is a classic sports watch, and the closest you’ll get to a modern sized version of a vintage Heuer Carrera. This has a solid H-link brushed steel bracelet with polished centre links sweetening the deal. The dial is clean and minimalist, framed with a sharp minute track on the rehaut signifying its sporting intent. My favourite touch is the pared back register at 6 for the running seconds, making the dial take on the look of a Bi-Compax chronograph. The way the date window sits a smidgen over the 6 o’clock indice is pure genius, underlining the strong sense of balance. Two chrono registers sit recessed at 3 and 9, crisp silver white print underscoring a clean sixties vibe. Polished baton hands and a needle chronograph seconds have a purposeful elegance, matched by polished applied indices. The dial remains legible through the darker hours with generous application of Super-Luminova to the traditional baton hands, while the indices have discreet lume plots on the outside.
Reference CBN2011.BA0642 and CBN2012.FC6483 with their blue and grey sunray dials adds to the elegance quotient, the with a more eyecatching background to the Carrera name and exquisite TAG Heuer shield. Both references are still emanating a sporty vibe, the bright blue dial in some lights winking at us with a delicious hint of purple. Still tough on its purposeful slender bracelet, but with a touch of flash. The grey sunray version has the same price, and looks ready to pop out from a crisp white Italian shirt cuff. The grey sunburst brushed tone is quite a light tint with silver in the mix, lending a formal feel to the proceedings, with a well matched chocolate brown crocodile strap.
The Movement
All four TAG Heuer Carrera replica watches with Swiss automatic movement are powered by the same Heuer 02 caliber as their tougher brothers, which marks the year of the calibre’s expansion. Here, once again ready to prove its mettle as the go-to solid chronograph movement, with a column wheel and vertical clutch, and that weekend-safe 80 hour power reserve. The Heuer 02 calibre is the most important calibre for TAG Heuer in 2020, and with its flexibility, deservedly so, as it is the main reason why we can have the divine inspiration of the sixties Carrera with everyday solidity and reliability.
Off the back of a quieter 2019, TAG Heuer clone has quietly and smoothly accelerated as 2020 has gone on, proving the net worth of the Heuer Carrera as a chameleon-like classic inspiration. Why not open a small, exclusive Solo Carrera showroom in an exclusive New York or Paris arcade? The custom made light wood cabinets would be exclusively stocked with the Sport Chronograph references, these Elegant references, the Silver 160th and a few more, and would be a resounding success. Add a bright coloured cabinet with the exclusive Connected smartwatch, a pre-owned vintage Carrera corner, and I’d be there (consider the copyright mine).
