The glassbox revolution appears to be on the brink of completion. TAG Heuer’s remarkable overhaul of its Carrera chronographs, unveiled last year, received widespread acclaim, and the brand shows no signs of slowing down. With various special editions already released and standard editions available in popular blue and reverse panda dials, along with the Skipper and a luxurious solid-gold version, replica TAG Heuer continues to expand its offerings. At Watches and Wonders 2024, the brand introduces yet another non-limited model, the panda dial Clone TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph CBS2216.BA0041.
This latest iteration of the clone Carrera Chronograph maintains the same case dimensions as its counterparts, measuring 39mm in diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug. Those familiar with the new glassbox Carreras will attest to their exceptional wearability, despite a thickness of 13.86mm, largely owing to the all-encompassing sapphire crystal covering the dial and bezel. Crafted from stainless steel, the case features pump pushers, a branded crown, and boasts a water resistance of 100 meters. Notably, this model debuts a stainless steel bracelet, a departure from previous glassbox models. However, it lacks TAG’s micro-adjustment mechanism (currently exclusive to the Aquaracer) and does not feature a quick-release mechanism, setting it apart from many other major brands. On the wrist, the addition of the bracelet lends a more balanced feel, reducing the top-heaviness often associated with strap-worn watches.
The dial of the Carrera Chronograph satisfies a long-standing desire for a panda design. Drawing inspiration from the Heur 7753 SN of the late 1960s, the silver dial with black subdials and red accents pays homage to previous panda Carreras. The sunburst-finished dial features red accents on the concave chapter ring and chrono seconds hand, with applied, polished hour markers and lumed hands. Subdials exhibit snailed grooving, except for the running seconds at 6 o’clock, which is printed and indicated with a black hand. Despite the presence of a framed date window, the subtle nature of the small seconds subdial ensures it doesn’t overshadow the chronograph function, maintaining the dial’s focal point.
What distinguishes this model from its glassbox counterparts is the black 60-second chronograph bezel, now within the sapphire crystal. This contrast creates an eye-catching effect, enhancing the watch’s visual appeal when worn.
Driving the fake TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is the in-house TH-20 automatic chronograph movement, visible through a sapphire caseback. With an impressive 80-hour power reserve at 28,800 vph, the movement features Côtes de Genève finishing on the bridges and a skeletonized rotor in the shape of the TAG shield. Equipped with a column wheel chronograph mechanism, the movement delivers a tactile yet smooth operating experience.