Replica TAG Heuer recently introduced a new collection in its iconic Carrera sports watch line, designed for everyday elegance. Initially launched decades ago as a motorsports-themed chronograph and sports watch, the Carrera has evolved into dressier “office” pieces, more robust chronographs, and other sporty models. In 2021, TAG Heuer revamped many of its Carrera watches, including the Chronograph models shown here. The updated collection, led by designer Guy Bove, aims to capture the classic essence of the Carrera while making it appealing to today’s enthusiasts. In this review, I examine two new TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 watches that exemplify the brand’s focus on “everyday elegance.” The watches featured in the photo are references WBN2111.BA0639 (Carrera Calibre 5 39mm on a bracelet) and WBN2011.FC6484 (Carrera Calibre 5 41mm on a strap).
The Super Clone TAG Heuer Carrera collection offers numerous models with various dial colors and strap options, with more likely on the way. Besides the three-hand models shown here and the previously mentioned chronographs, TAG Heuer also offers the new Carrera Twin-Time, a GMT version in a 41mm-wide case. For now, dial colors are conservative, including black (with silver or gold rose-toned hands and hour markers), blue, and the silver tone seen in the picture.
What do these entry-level Carrera watches signify for the Super Clone TAG Heuer brand? While there is considerable interest among enthusiasts for TAG Heuer’s more complex or unique watches, products like these approximately $3,000 Carrera models target a different audience. Although TAG Heuer produces many watches for collectors and aficionados, its core market has always been mainstream luxury Swiss-made watches. This audience generally seeks conservative, versatile, and cosmopolitan products that fit seamlessly into today’s trendy lifestyle.
I attended TAG Heuer’s launch event for these new Fake Carrera watches in Los Angeles several months ago, where the brand also announced actor Ryan Gosling as its newest brand ambassador. Gosling’s first role was a photoshoot campaign promoting these new Carrera watches. What does this suggest? To me, it indicates that TAG Heuer believes that classic yet stylish watches like the new Carrera collection should be the focal point for the mass market when thinking about the TAG Heuer name. With its new star ambassador featured with these watches and TAG Heuer dealers worldwide stocked with them, these are today’s “Bar Mitzvah watches,” rite of passage watches, first “nice” timepiece options, respectable business watches, etc. What does this imply about their design and wearability?
As mentioned,1:1 Super Clone TAG Heuer aims for high versatility, not only regarding who will wear these watches but also what those wearers can do with them. The popularity of the “steel bracelet” watch among enthusiasts shows that people today highly value watches that complement various styles. For a younger buyer or someone who owns just one nice watch, they need a product casual enough for socializing and serious enough to positively reflect their character. I discuss this to help TAG Heuer fans understand the intended purpose of these products and the company’s mindset during the development process.