Quick Take
In the 1970s, it was a tradition for Jack Heuer to gift 18k gold Heuer Carrera reference 1158CHN watches to Ferrari Formula One drivers (Heuer and Ferrari had a partnership at the time) as a show of good luck. Those watches were engraved on the back with the driver’s name, though legend has it that their blood type was also engraved. Now, some 40 years later, TAG Heuer is making a similar gesture to Jack himself, by releasing the perfect fake TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Jack Heuer Birthday Gold Limited Edition. This is a modern 42mm, 18k rose-gold chronograph inspired by that very 1158CHN – Jack Heuer’s favorite watch – in celebration of his 88th birthday.
Initial Thoughts
This not a vintage reissue, but a modern redesign taking inspiration from a vintage model. For starters, it is branded TAG Heuer on the dial (not simply Heuer), and secondly, it is a decidedly modern 42mm in diameter. That size gives way to a dial with a lot going on. There are the panda-esque subdials (so named for the way the contrast of the black against the lighter dial surface is reminiscent of a literal panda), applied markings, printed text, a chapter ring, a date window, and a small seconds counter.
The case is all 18k rose gold, including the pushers and the crown. The hands and markers are described as being rose-gold colored, as are all of the “gold” flourishes on the dial surface. The dial is described as silver opaline in color and appearance. Toward the top of the dial is the serif-style Carrera wordmark above the applied brand logo. At the bottom of the dial is text that reads “Heuer 02 80 Hours,” which is a reference to the movement. Moving outward is a chapter ring serving as the chronograph seconds counter.
The movement inside the Swiss made replica watch is the Calibre Heuer 02, an in-house, column-wheel, vertical-clutch chronograph movement featuring an impressive 80 hours of power reserve – hence the aforementioned text at the bottom of the dial. The sapphire exhibition caseback reveals the visible oscillating mass engraved with Jack Heuer’s motto, “Time never stops, why should we?” Also engraved is Jack Heuer’s signature, just below that quote.
Speaking about the watch, Jack Heuer said, “I’m very touched that TAG Heuer reimagined my favorite watch for my birthday. It reminds me of many dear friends and thrilling years on the race track. I will wear it with pride and look forward to seeing it on the wrist of new generations of daring characters as well.”
Jack Heuer is the great-grandson of Heuer founder Edouard Heuer and was the last member of the Heuer family to run the company (which he did from 1960 until 1982). He was a famed innovator, introducing a number of “firsts” to the watch industry. He was also a noted lover of automotive racing. The Carrera – his favorite collection – was also the first timepiece that he created entirely, choosing its name and helping design its aesthetic. Jack would later serve as honorary chairman of the company.
This celebratory watch will be limited to 188 pieces. In addition to the aforementioned features, the watch also sports an applied rose-gold colored infinity loop, which the brand says is symbolic of Jack Heuer’s birthday. It comes on a black alligator leather strap which also bears Jack’s signature in gold lettering. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Jack Heuer Birthday Gold Limited Edition is available for pre-order now, and to purchase in March, 2021.