There are design elements that stand the test of time, becoming true symbols. For TAG Heuer, one of these is undoubtedly the famous“grains of rice” bracelet. Born in the 1960s, it has just been reinterpreted, in a contemporary key to enrich the Carrera Glassbox collection, keeping its vintage charm intact but with a modern twist.
Premiered at Watches and Wonders , TAG Heuer’s new bracelet is not simply a nostalgic reissue, but a contemporary reinterpretation of a great classic. It is an authentic tribute to the tradition of TAG Heuer, a brand that has masterfully interwoven a passion for precision with refined and recognizable aesthetics.
Vintage inspiration for TAG Heuer’s “grains of rice” bracelet
In the 1960s, TAG Heuer became synonymous with precision instruments dedicated to motor racing, but also with functional elegance on the wrist. At the height of the golden age for industrial design, TAG Heuer (still Heuer at the time) sought solutions that could combine practicality, durability, and sophistication.
Thus was born the “beads-of-rice” bracelet, instantly recognizable by its distinctive construction: a double row of rounded center links, so named because they resemble the shape of small grains of rice, framed by sturdy, larger outer flat links.
It was not just a matter of aesthetics. This type of bracelet offered an exceptional fit for the time: the flexibility and mobility of each link ensured a natural fit on the wrist, while the articulated construction reduced pressure points, making it extremely comfortable even during prolonged use (a nontrivial detail for sports chronographs designed for drivers and speed enthusiasts).
Often made of stainless steel, it was paired with the first-generation Carrera chronographs, i.e., the watches among the most iconic of the maison. This combination perfectly emphasized the brand’s DNA: mechanical precision and refined aesthetic taste.
Such was the success of the bracelet that, over the years, it has become a hallmark for collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts. Not surprisingly, even ogg, the original 1960s models with the beads-of-rice bracelet are among the most sought-after on the collector’s market.
TAG Heuer’s new “grains of rice” bracelet
Compared to the original double configuration from the 1960s, this reinterpretation focuses on a single-row structure, a choice that gives the bracelet a slimmer, more modern profile. A design that, while updated, remains instantly recognizable, elegantly evoking the spirit of the original TAG Heuer Carrera.
The new bracelet is designed to embellish four models in the TAG Heuer Carrera Carrera Chronograph “glassbox” line: the black and blue dial versions, already known since 2023, and the very recent 2024 “Panda” and “Teal Green Dato” editions. These combinations offer enthusiasts a versatile range, capable of satisfying the most classic as well as the most daring tastes.
Today, this design returns with renewed vitality. TAG Heuer’s engineers did not just replicate the past, but revisited the bracelet with a modern twist, improving its ergonomics for superior comfort. The new construction offers optimal flexibility, precisely following the natural curves of the wrist. The result? An extremely soft feel and impeccable fit.
With its revamped design, the new seven-row bracelet in brushed and polished steel blends solidity and sophistication. The folding clasp features a double safety push-button and is distinguished by the iconic TAG Heuer shield, a symbol of a tradition of excellence that is unafraid of the passage of time.
Interestingly, compared to the double configuration of the past, the new version features a single row composition: an aesthetic choice that modernizes the profile of the bracelet while keeping its original charm intact. It is a subtle balance between innovation and historical fidelity, perfectly in line with TAG Heuer’s philosophy.
As anticipated, the new bracelet will debut on four TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph models, all belonging to the “glassbox” line. These include the classic black and blue versions of 2023 and the newest 2024 models: the “Panda” and “Teal Green Dato” variants, already beloved by fans.
Conclusions
The return of the beads-of-rice bracelet is not just a reminder of TAG Heuer’s history: it is a statement of intent. At a time when design is always seeking new balances between past and future, this revisited classic stands as a timeless style icon designed for the connoisseurs of today and those of tomorrow.
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