On the occasion of the highly prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, where major automakers compete in what has always been the most famous endurance race in all of motorsport, Tag Heuer and Porsche unveiled a brand new Carrera chronograph.
The result of the enduring and solid collaboration between the Stuttgart-based automaker, and the Le Locle-based watchmaker, the newest addition to the Carrera chronograph family pays tribute to the incredible Porsche 963.
So let us welcome the Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963, a watch that, like the car to which it pays tribute, contains within it a concentration of innovation and mechanics.
Tag Heuer and Porsche
It has now been 70 years since the stories of Tag Heuer and Porsche began to intertwine both on and off the motor racing tracks.
The common thread that has always united them is a name, namely Carrera, which originates from the legendary “Carrera Panamericana” race, considered one of the most dangerous in the world.
And it was precisely in honor of this race, which put every participant to the test, that Porsche decided to dedicate the name Carrera to its variants of cars with more powerful engines.
Likewise, Jack Heuer, decided to adopt the name Carrera for his new chronograph unveiled in 1963 after hearing about the race.
In recent years, the relationship between Tag Heuer and Porsche has grown to such an extent that a partnership has been formed, which has resulted in several Carrera chronograph models with different references to the Stuttgart automaker’s world of cars.
The latest collaboration has resulted in the creation of a watch that celebrates the spirit of endurance racing and technological innovation, an aspect that unites both Tag Heuer, which has always sought new mechanical and design solutions for its timepieces, and Porsche, which has made it its mantra to strive for ever-higher performance provided by its cars.
Aspects that then gave way to the new Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963, a watch that pays homage to the highly sophisticated Porsche 963.
This is a car designed for one of the world’s most prestigious and toughest races, namely the 24 Hours of Le Mans, unveiled in 2023, and it has a knockout performance.
On the occasion of the watch launch, TAG Heuer CEO Julien Tornare released the following words:
“In celebration of Porsche’s achievements in the world of racing, we are extremely proud to have worked with our partner to create such a timepiece. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 is an exceptional piece of watchmaking that represents all the values we stand for: design excellence, endurance and pushing one’s limits.”
Successes that, to date, represent a total of 19 overall victories, effectively making Porsche the most successful manufacturer in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The New Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963
To celebrate the Stuttgart-based company’s successes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Tag Heuer unveiled a watch entirely dedicated to the car that has challenged its rivals on the French circuit for the past two years.
This is a brand new version of the Carrera that features a fully racing design, on par with the car it pays homage to.
Made with a 44mm-diameter steel case, the first element that stands out about the new Carrera x Porsche 963 is undoubtedly the skeletonized dial.
The latter, thanks to its tubular shapes reminiscent of Porsche race car chassis, reflecting the minimalist but sturdy construction seen in motorsports.
Likewise, the forged carbon bezel pays homage to the lightweight, high-performance components of the Porsche 963.
Also standing out above the dial are the three traditional chronograph counters along with a date window positioned at 6 o’clock.
All elements are coated with Super Luminova and draw inspiration from the innovative LED light design of the new Porsche 911s.
Elements that ensure high readability in all conditions and, most importantly, even at night while the 24-hour racers continue to compete.
At 4 o’clock, on the other hand, red indexes can be seen, indicating the countdown to the start of a car race.
In a reference to the Stuttgart car made for Le Mans, there is the inscription “963” at the bottom of the case as well as the inscription “Porsche” on the left carrure.
Instead, at 13 and 4 o’clock we find the traditional chronograph pushers along with the crown located at 3 o’clock.
As you turn the watch over, you can see, through the sapphire crystal case back, the manufacture movement that brings the new Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 to life at full speed.
This is the automatic caliber TH20-00 featuring a customized red column wheel.
Thanks to the vertical positioning of the engagement of the chronograph mechanism, like the systems in automobiles that connect the engine flywheel with the transmission, the chronograph in the new Carrera ensures smooth operation “without jumps.”
A reminder of the Porsche world, the steering wheel-shaped oscillating mass stands out.
Limited to only 963 examples worldwide, the new Carrera x Porsche is complemented in its racing design by a rubber strap inspired by the air intakes often found on Porsche racing cars, starting with the 917.
Price and availability
Made in 963 pieces each numbered on the hob, the new Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 will be sold at a list price of EUR 9,050.
Visit our YouTube channel to experience the best of the watchmaking world firsthand.
For real-time updates, follow us on Instagram.
