A Closer Look at the TAG Heuer Carrerra Heuer 02

Tag Heuer launched a new limited edition wristwatch in November of 2018. The limited edition watch is a re-edition of the Carrera as a kind of throwback to a version offered in 1963. The watchmaker undertook a risky move in the recreation of the watch. Criticisms abound whether there is too great a similarity to the original creation or a frowned upon departure from the basic elements. We’re of the opinion that Tag Heuer pulled off the re-edition with an ideal maintenance of the original DNA of the brand with enough of a vintage feel to breed familiarity and a bit of nostalgia with an infusion of new blood that creates a distinct personality that keeps the watch in the family without creating a carbon copy. The Tag Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 is a timepiece that deserves a much closer look as an example that truly can stand on its own merit.

TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 Fragment

This watch is a limited edition watch by Hiroshi Fujiwara. It’s a collaborative design effort that has resulted in the elements of the modern streetwear scene infused into the new iteration of the original 1963 version and it’s well-done for a modern wristwatch with a nod to the family from which it was born.

The case

The case is crafted of steel and features a round shaping in a 39 mm diameter and a depth of 12.5 mm. The steel case has been given a highly polished finish. The case back is even more interesting with a polished steel ring that holds the internal workings firmly in place without the use of screws and presents a skeletonized view of the movement within. It’s covered with a flat sapphire crystal and the outer rim is engraved with the specifications including the brand, the limited edition indication and confirmation of the water resistance. Two thunderbolts in gold are applied to the outside of the glass bringing to the fore the streetwear designer’s special signature contribution.

The bezel, crown and bands

The bezel is moderately sized but appears larger with its mirror polished finish. The round case bands add the illusion of depth, making the watch seem larger and thicker with a definite layering quality with the flat sapphire crystal firmly inset over the modern dial. The crown of the new Heurer Carrera Fragment Heuer 02 is unprotected with a noticeable lack of crown guards and simple mushroom style chronograph pushers, also with a polished finish. The lugs are crafted with an interesting angled value which gives it a sense of angularity.

The Dial

The dial maintains the DNA of the original watch with a new expression of their function in an aesthetic departure that features a black dial with lumed numbering within the subdials and a minimalist treatment of the minute and hour markers in black with gold tips to make them appear more subdued. It’s definitely a modernization with functional properties of the original watch which are treated in a more interesting and modern aesthetic. The hands are polished and faceted with a central hand treated in white lacquer. The watch has an old school type of legibility with a striking design.

The Movement

This watch is powered bu a Heuer -02 movement that measures 6.9 mm in thickness and contributes to the thick overall profile of the watch as it sits on the wrist. It’s an automatic winding type with a column wheeel and a vertical clutch which makes it one of the higher end calibers. The power reserve is approximately 80 hours for this Swiss made movement and you can view the mechanical workings of this masterpiece through the skeletonized back case.

The strap

The strap is a “powerhouse” version in authentic leather and the watch also comes with an extra strap in black and grey in NATO styling. Change the strap and the overall personality of the watch is altered. This gives you two distinct looks.

Price and availability

The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 Frangment Limited Edition watch by Hiroshi Fujiwara is offered exclusively on site in TAG Heuer boutiques. Plan on spending $8,100 for the retail pricing of the watch. This watch is strictly limited to a production run of just 500 pieces.