NEW YORK, NY (February 23rd) — HODINKEE, the preeminent destination for all things watches, is pleased to announce the release of its second collaboration with the Swiss luxury timepiece manufacturer TAG Heuer, the TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Dato’ HODINKEE Limited Edition. Inspired by the second-generation Heuer 3147N ‘Dato 45’ chronograph, this limited edition is a modern interpretation of the mid-century classic, which has become an enthusiasts’ favorite over the years.
This isn’t the first time that HODINKEE and TAG Heuer have partnered on a limited edition watch. In 2017, the two companies teamed up for what has become one of the most sought-after HODINKEE collaborative efforts, the TAG Heuer Limited Edition Skipper. Examples of the piece can now be found at auction for as much as three times the original purchase price. Like the Skipper, the TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Dato’ HODINKEE Limited Edition is rooted in the celebrated 160 plus year history of the Swiss watchmaker and extends the 2020 celebration into the new year.
Like many of TAG Heuer’s most iconic chronographs, the origins of the Carrera can be traced back to 1960s motorsport. Heuer chronograph wristwatches were often the tool of choice for professional racers throughout that decade, mostly due to Heuer’s then-CEO Jack Heuer and his passion for the sport, including his hands-on approach with its teams and drivers. The 1960s were a period of growth and experimentation for Heuer, and the idea of placing a date window into a chronograph was unexpected. The Heuer 3147N ‘Dato 45’ chronograph was one of the first executions of such an idea. Like many other overlooked chronos of the day, the affectionately nicknamed “cyclops” (due to its large, contrasting white subdial at 3 o’clock) is now a cult classic among chronograph collectors.
The goal for HODINKEE and TAG Heuer was to produce a watch as close to the original as possible, with its 9 o’clock date window and ‘cyclops’ dial, but to take advantage of what 21st-century watchmaking has to offer too. It was imperative to maintain the inherent charm of the original ‘Dato 45’ but to present it in a package that feels of the time. This starts from the inside out, beginning with the sophisticated Calibre Heuer 02 movement.
In order to achieve the iconic 9 o’clock date window, the skilled watchmakers at TAG Heuer reworked its in-house chronograph to accommodate this function. This modern calibre with its integrated architecture
and impressive 80 hours power reserve, is then placed inside a TAG Heuer’s vintage-inspired Carrera “glassbox” case. The heavily domed crystal sitting over the dial recreates the look of the plexi/mineral glass coverings of older watches. This gives the watch a vintage feel, and also some evocative design chops with the edges of the crystal flowing into a recessed slot around the bezel. Another special feature is the oscillating mass’ 160th anniversary dedication.
With a 39mm case made of polished stainless steel and a complementary black alligator leather strap, the new TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Dato’ HODINKEE Limited Edition sits comfortably on the wrist, with a perfect balance of size and legibility. When in use, the chronograph pushers offer only the slightest resistance, adding a satisfying tactile experience. The chronograph’s seconds hand sweeps elegantly across the dial, due to the Calibre Heuer 02’s column wheel and vertical clutch, and the hand jumps back sprightly to its 12 o’clock position when it is reset.
The original ‘Dato 45’ was advertised as “‘a wristwatch, a stopwatch, and a calendar, too” – its design focused on function and legibility at high speeds. The same intent holds true with this modern interpretation. From its pencil styled hour and minute hands, deep black dial background and contrasting white subdial, to its simplistic applied hour markers with lume plots, acting almost as time-telling exclamation points,
the new TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Dato’ HODINKEE Limited Edition faithfully embodies the racing spirit of the original, but done up in a way for the today’s enthusiast.
Launching on February 23rd at 8am EST, and limited to only 250 examples, the TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Dato’ HODINKEE Limited Edition will retail for $7,250. 125 pieces will be sold via the HODINKEE Shop and the other 125 will be sold through TAG Heuer points of sale in the US and Japan.
Technical Specifications
● Model: TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Dato’ HODINKEE Limited Edition
● Reference: CBK221D.FC6479
● Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
● Material: Stainless steel
● Dimensions: 39mm case
● Caseback: Sapphire
● Lume: SuperLuminova
● Movement: Calibre Heuer 02
● Power Reserve: 80 hours
● Water Resistance: 100M
● Strap/Bracelet: Black alligator leather strap
● Lug Width: 19mm
● Manufactured: Switzerland
About HODINKEE
Headquartered in NYC, HODINKEE is the foremost destination for all things watches. Founded in 2008 by Benjamin Clymer, HODINKEE has grown from a blog writing about mechanical timepieces into a leading media and commerce company. HODINKEE has the world of watches covered: website, podcast, magazine, social media, the HODINKEE Shop, and HODINKEE Insurance. With its respected point of view, engaging storytelling, curated product selection, and enthusiast-focused services, HODINKEE is at the forefront of the best the world of horology has to offer and the community that supports it. Hodinkee.com
About TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer, founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland, is a luxury watch brand that is part of LVMH Moët Hennessey Louis Vuitton SE (“LVMH”), the world’s leading luxury group. Based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland and with four production sites, TAG Heuer has 1470 employees and is active in 139 countries. TAG Heuer products are available online on www.tagheuer.com for select countries and in 160 boutiques and 3,500 points of sale worldwide. The company is headed up by Frédéric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer.
www.tagheuer.com
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For further information, please contact:
Tiziana Tedeschi
International PR Director TAG Heuer
+41 (0)79 255 99 01
tiziana.tedeschi@tagheuer.com
Fabiola Bobbio
International PR Manager TAG Heuer
+41 (0)79 204 88 77
Fabiola.bobbio@tagheuer.com
Nick Roberts
HODINKEE
1-347-899-0508
nroberts@hodinkee.com
