For one of TAG Heuer’s latest timepieces, the watchmaker was very specific about paying homage to a particular point of history. The year – 1965, the venue – the Monte Carlo Rally and the inspiration? The iconic Porsche 911. And with that we now have the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye.
The new limited-edition timepiece celebrates the success of the legendary car at the world-renowned rally. It also serves to once more celebrate the shared motorsport legacy that both TAG Heuer and Porsche have.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye marks five years of a successful brand partnership. These limited-edition timepieces come in stainless steel (911 pieces) and 18K 3N yellow gold (11 pieces). Its design draws from the iconic Porsche 911, with a black dial inspired by vintage Heuer dashboard timers and beige details reflecting the classic car’s interior.
Personifying A Legend
The design of the timepiece draws heavily from the Porsche 911 “147” of 1965, particularly its dashboard timer, which was crucial in the Monte Carlo Rally. The black dial, inspired by Heuer Master Time stopwatches, provides high contrast for legibility, a vital feature for racing under low visibility conditions.
These influences shine impeccably on the dial. Beige markings are reminiscent of the Porsche 911’s steering wheel, while the shimmering finish of the dial evokes the car’s bodywork. Red lines along the flange of the dial graphically represent speed, referencing the 1965 Porsche 911’s 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 8.4 seconds, an improvement over the original 1963 Porsche 901’s 9.1 seconds.
Under the ‘hood’, the watch is powered by the in-house TH20-08 Chronosprint movement, which features a chronograph with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The chronograph’s unique module includes two snail-shaped wheels, allowing the central seconds hand to accelerate during the first 15 seconds of each stopped minute, before slowing down to complete the minute’s loop.
This not only create a dynamic and visually intriguing effect but it also reflects the Porsche 911’s precision and performance.
Design Homage
The watch’s stunning looks are accentuated by azuré subdials with contrasting silver rings, which add visual depth and elegance. The TAG Heuer Carrera‘s double glassbox construction, with sapphire crystal on both the front and back, enhances its ergonomic profile.
This feature also helps provide an uninterrupted view of the movement. The front sapphire dome elegantly frames the dial, while the caseback reveals a Porsche-inspired rotor, reinforcing the connection between the watch and Porsche’s automotive engineering.
The steel version of the watch is paired with an H-shaped bracelet and an additional black perforated leather strap with beige stitching, providing a versatile and sporty look. The 18K solid yellow gold version offers even more luxury, featuring the same perforated leather strap along with an additional light brown perforated calfskin strap, allowing for personal style customisation.
The packaging of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye is as refined as the watch itself. Made from lacquered wood and finished in ruby red to match the original Porsche 911 “147,” the packaging includes silver accents for the steel version and golden detailing for the gold version.
Inside the box, the watch rests on a perforated cushion, a subtle link to the leather straps. Each package includes a miniature model of the Porsche 911 “147,” which was instrumental in winning the Monte Carlo Rally.
