Inspired by one of the most exciting and extreme car races ever, the Carrera Panamericana, TAG Heuer presents a new tourbillon chronograph, the result of an extraordinary collaboration with the prestigious German brand Porsche. This timepiece pays tribute not only to the legendary Mexican competition, but also to a timeless automotive icon: the Porsche 550 Spyder.
Carrera Panamericana: an extraordinary race
Today’s story takes us back to the 1920s, when one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects ever conceived took shape: the Pan-American Highway. It was a mammoth road network designed to unite the entire American continent, from Alaska to Argentina, along a route of no less than 45,000 kilometers. It was a visionary undertaking designed not only to facilitate transportation, but also to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the various countries on the continent.
On the Mexican section of the Pan-American Highway, which stretched some 3,000 kilometers (2,000 miles) through spectacular scenery from the U.S. border to Guatemala, the Mexican government had an ambitious idea: to organize an international motor race. The goal was twofold: to promote Mexico as a glamorous tourist destination and to attract the interest of the powerful automotive industries of the north. Thus, in 1950, the Carrera Panamericana was born, a competition that in just five years managed to earn a reputation equal to that of such iconic events as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia.
The Carrera Panamericana was not just a car race. It was an extreme test of endurance, speed, and technical skill, a challenge for drivers and cars that crossed impervious roads, deserts, and mountains. Because of this, it attracted the attention of some of the biggest names in motorsport at the time, including Ferrari, Mercedes, Lancia and, of course, Porsche. Unfortunately, the Carrera Panamericana was short-lived, in part because of the high risks and lives lost during competition. This decision was also made following the Le Mans tragedy of 1954.
It was in the fifth and final edition, in 1954, that Porsche left an indelible mark on the history of this competition. Thanks to the legendary 550 Spyder, an agile, powerful, and innovative car, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer took an incredible third place. An extraordinary result, considering the fierce competition and the difficulty of the track. But it wasn’t just a sports victory: that podium finish represented a turning point for Porsche, which decided to pay tribute to that feat by christening its sportiest models “Carrera,” a name that still evokes speed, prestige and a passion for racing.
The new Tag Heuer Carrera Panamericana
Last year, TAG Heuer introduced the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon collection , a bold and modern interpretation of the classic chronograph. The introduction of the tourbillon complication, originally invented by Breguet, took this collection to the next level, not only in terms of design but also in terms of watchmaking engineering. The case has been enlarged to 42 mm to offer greater presence on the wrist and optimal legibility, emphasizing the contemporary character of the model.
This year, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Porsche’s historic third place in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, TAG Heuer decided to celebrate this feat with a special version of the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon. The new model is a direct tribute to the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder and features details that recall the aesthetics and essence of that competition’s iconic vehicle.
The timepiece is crafted with a polished steel case 42 mm in diameter, a size that balances elegance and functionality while ensuring excellent visibility. The design elements are rich in references: the bright yellow color of the chronograph and seconds hands recalls the vibrant hues of vintage racing cars, while the skeletonized dial immediately catches the eye. Carvings on the dial, inspired by the rims of the 550 Spyder, add a touch of lightness and dynamism, complemented by the rounded shape of the rhodium-plated hour markers.
The real star of the dial is found at 6 o’clock: an aperture that houses the tourbillon, that is, the complication that rotates on itself in a 60-second cycle. Its three-spoke design is a direct homage to the steering wheel of the 550 Spyder, once again highlighting the deep connection between the watch and the car that inspired it. Framing the sapphire crystal we find not the classic bezel, but a thin black ring placed below the crystal itself. This ring houses the chronograph scale, whose indexes and hands are treated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent readability even in low-light conditions.
The caseband and back of the watch are embellished with engravings that further emphasize the connection between TAG Heuer and the Porsche 550 Spyder. Every detail tells a story, from aerodynamic lines to references of past triumphs, making this model a true collector’s piece.
In technical terms, the watch is powered by the TH20-09 caliber, an evolution of the already popular Heuer 02 movement. Certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), the movement offers a 65-hour power reserve, ensuring impeccable precision. In addition, the bidirectional rotor that powers the movement was also designed inspired by the Spyder steering wheel, thus complementing the automotive theme.
Price and availability
With only 225 pieces available, this timepiece represents a unique opportunity for collectors and watch and motor enthusiasts to own a piece that tells a story. The starting price is EUR 35,250.
Conclusions
This watch represents a perfect synthesis of past and present, celebrating a model that made motoring history and still lives on in Porsche models today under the name “Carrera.” At the same time, it pays tribute to a unique and unrepeatable competition, the child of a time when racing was more than just sporting events. What about you, did you know this incredible competition?
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