The Manual Wind: The “Affordable” Tag Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 Tourbillon Chronograph

By Ian Schwam February 3, 2016

the manual wind affordable tag heuer carrera 02 tourbillon chronograph 16tag02b — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The time has finally arrived, and it is being told by the most accurate complication; the tourbillon. When Jean Claude Biver took over Tag Heuer, it was obvious there were big changes to come. The first was the announcement of an affordable tourbillon. This complication, first designed by Breguet in the 1800s, is bult for accuracy. Counteracting the force of gravity on the movement, the aesthetically pleasing visual of the tourbillon is meant to keep the most accurate time in all eight positions a watch can be in. This well out of reach complication sat at the top of every brands line with a six figure price tag. Jean Claude Biver decided he would put the tourbillon within reach, and he has.

16tag02a — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Tag Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 Tourbillon is a 45mm modular case made up of twelve different components. This modular design is reminiscent of Biver’s last brand resurection; Hublot. Made of titanium, both brushed and blackened, this is a sport tourbillon. The movement is an in-house caliber COSC certified chronograph automatic tourbillon with a 65 hour power reserve. The dial has an industrial look that fits well with this multi finish and component case. Black crocodile or rubber strap with titanium buckle completes this piece.

This is a ground breaking introduction by Tag Heuer. A timepiece of a similar complication from the likes of a brand like Audemars Piguet would set one back nearly two hundred thousand. This, the first of what i am sure will be an entire line of tourbillons, is reasonably priced under $20,000. I am sure this comes to the dismay of many other brands in the watch world. The Tourbillon is meant to be the pinnacle of complication and desire and in a few months will be within arms reach. Lets hope the allure of this mesmerizing complication is not lost with the introduction of this bargain timepiece.

Topics

Watches

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…

Fashion & Style

All new Rolex 1908 men’s watch leans into timeless Rolex styling and we can’t get enough of it

You won't stop staring at it, but that has nothing to do with what time it is

The Rolex Perpetual 1908

The world’s most desirable watch brand, Rolex, is paying homage to its long and storied history with a new series of watches. The new Rolex watch takes inspiration from the vintage timepieces that made the luxury brand what it is today. So expect an almost impossibly slim profile, smaller dimensions than modern men’s watches, and large numbers. Another nice vintage touch is the lack of a central seconds hand, with a dedicated sub-dial being used instead.

Rolex’s main inspiration when creating the Perpetual 1908 is the original Oyster Perpetual from 1931. While its 39mm diameter may be a little more petit than the 45+ mm dive watches that have been in vogue over the last few decades, it’s actually somewhat of a compromise. Many classic men’s watches are rocking 34mm or 36mm cases.

Fashion & Style

We found those iconic Deion Sanders sunglasses, and they’re only $67

Look like Prime, stay winnin' like Prime

Deion Sanders wearing Blenders

There are a lot of things that Deion Sanders is good at: baseball, football, and coaching the latter, for instance. But one that he is excelling at off the field is promotion. Sure, he is a name and a face, and it seems like it would be easy. But when you develop your own sunglasses with a brand like Blenders, you feel the need to promote harder than usual. And now, you can snatch up a pair of these viral sunglasses yourself but don't expect them to show up on your doorstep as fast as they went viral.

Creating a viral sensation
Before his Colorado football team took the field and triumphed over rival Colorado State in a double overtime victory, his entire team showed out with their own pair of Prime 21s, the new collaboration between "Neon" Deion and Blenders sunglasses. Of course, that is never enough, as he gifted big names in sports like Stephen A. Smith (sports TV host) and Dwayne Johnson (former wrestler and football monster himself) a pair of their own to promote to their giant followings. Not to mention, another commentator called him out before the game for wearing glasses in interviews. We're not saying it was orchestrated, but the timing was perfect.

Fashion & Style

ZENITH Watches DEFY Extreme Carl Cox edition lands September 25, limited to 100 watches, priced at $30,100

There are only 100 pieces AND you get to meet Carl Cox

ZENITH Defy Extreme Carl Cox watch

Luxury watch enthusiasts, mark your calendars! ZENITH is set to release a horological marvel that's bound to send ripples through the world of timekeeping. The DEFY Extreme Carl Cox edition from ZENITH watches, a limited masterpiece, is slated to land on September 25. With only 100 pieces available and priced at a sumptuous $30,100, this timepiece is a tribute to both precision and fashionable aesthetics.
A fusion of craftsmanship: The ZENITH DEFY Extreme Carl Cox Edition
ZENITH's collaboration with Carl Cox, an ambassador for the brand, has given birth to an extraordinary creation. At the heart of this men's watch beats the most rugged and fastest 1/100th of a second chronograph, setting the tempo for accuracy that is second to none. But this watch is not just about attention to detail; it's also a nod to Carl Cox's musical heritage. The design takes cues from his favorite set of turntables, seamlessly blending the worlds of horology and music. The chronograph sub-counters have fine circular ridges that look like vinyl records, and the one at 9 o’clock has a Carl Cox logo on it. The number of sub-counters, three, also reflects Cox’s pioneering three-deck DJing style.

The ZENITH DEFY Extreme Carl Cox edition is a stunning watch that combines the best of both worlds: a classic design with a modern twist. This watch features a 45mm matte microblasted stainless steel and yellow gold case, with a 12-sided yellow gold insert under the bezel and crown guards. This blend of materials exudes a minimalistic and retro-futuristic look; it's a visual masterpiece that will undoubtedly turn heads. The case is water-resistant to 200m and has a screw-down crown for added security. The dial is open-worked, revealing the intricate workings of the El Primero 9004 in-house calibre, a chronometer-certified movement that boasts a dual regulating organ, one for timekeeping and one for the chronograph.