TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Review

There is no denying the deep connection between TAG Heuer and the world of motorsports. The brand has many timepieces inspired by this history, and the Carrera is undisputedly the most popular of them.

On the Carrera’s 55th anniversary in 2018, TAG Heuer introduced the Carrera Calibre 16 – a range of designs that pay homage to vintage chronographs while bearing the sports watch DNA that the collection has been famous for.

Today, the Carrera Calibre 16 collection offers a wide range of styles, all loved by collectors for their mix of sporty, handsome design, affordability, and timeless looks. Here’s a closer look at the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16:

Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph Steel CV201AR

Unmistakable Design

The TAG Heuer Carrera is iconic for its truly universal men’s watch design that reflects its motorsports ties in a subtle and masterful way. In its almost 60 years of existence, the brand has been able to seamlessly mix in contemporary fashion with its heritage design. This is all the more evident in the Carrera Calibre 16 collection.

Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph Steel CBK2112

Staying true to its racing heritage, the Carrera Calibre 16 comes with stopwatch-style chronograph pushers and a tachymeter bezel made of ceramic. The angular cuts on the case give it a very masculine and modern look but one that is solidly connected to the Carrera watches of the past.

Despite having three chronograph registers and a date window, the dial is very easy to read. It sports the vertical chronograph layout typical of Valjoux 7750 timepieces – hours at 6, running seconds at 9, and minutes at 12. The date indicator at 3 is placed adjacently to the 9 o’clock sub-dial, giving the dial a balanced look.

Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph Steel CV201AP

The watch also comes with a choice of a versatile black, blue, or brown leather strap, a durable rubber band, and an angular metal bracelet that complements the sharp lugs. Any of these options deliver a handsome look that will appeal to guys seeking a decidedly masculine wristwatch.

Two Generations

The Carrera Calibre 16 is available in two sizes – 41mm and 44mm, each differing slightly but offering the same timeless sports watch look.

Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 41mm Version

Presented in either black or blue, the dial of the 41mm Carrera Calibre 16 serves as a great backdrop to the contrasting white chronograph counters. The applied rhodium-plated indices have been faceted and polished to echo the finish of the case and to add a nice dimensionality to the dial.

Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph Steel CV201AR

In this version, the day of the week is no longer displayed and is replaced by a TAG Heuer logo, creating a minimalist harmony throughout. The ceramic bezel, rhodium or rose-gold outlined hands, and raised hour markers have also become more attractive, while still being faithful to the Carrera’s design DNA.

Select models have been filled with custard-colored luminous material – a common trait found in many vintage timepieces. Not only does this enhance the retro look of the watch but also allows wearers to accurately check the time in the darkest environments.

Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph Steel CBK2110

In addition, the 41mm Carrera Calibre 16 comes with a choice of brown, blue, and black leather bracelets, which all make for a stylish and reliable alternative to steel.

Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 44mm Version

The 44mm version of the Carrera Calibre 16 is significantly more modern and adapts to the current zeitgeist in its own unique way. Incredibly sporty in style, its bezel is made of ceramic and has a functional tachymeter scale with legible engravings.

Carrera Calibre 16 CBN2A1AA Watches

Design details are also louder in their “racing track” inspiration: it uses metal Arabic numerals instead of baton indices, while the counter rings come in steel to contrast the black dial and red details abound – from the tips of the chronograph hands to the minute indices and the pusher rings.

The 44mm version also brings back the day of the week display, which is placed next to the 3 o’clock mark along with the date indicator. While the 3mm difference from the 41mm version may seem trivial on paper, it is definitely felt and seen when worn on the wrist.

Robust Build

The Carrera Calibre 16 models are available in stainless steel or titanium. The 100-meter water resistance makes them suitable for swimming and watersports, while the domed sapphire crystal on both sides offers maximum protection from scratches.

Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph Steel CBM2112

TAG Heuer intends these models as lifestyle watches with a sporty look but they perfectly suit active and athletic environments with their sleek build and bold design.

Movement

As its name suggests, the Carrera Calibre 16 is powered by the Calibre 16 movement. This mechanism is based on one of the most time-tested movements in Swiss watchmaking – the ETA Valjoux 7750. This famed self-winding movement offers a power reserve of 42 hours and performs with a balance frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

Calibre 16

With its edgy looks, reliable functionality, and a wide range of tasteful designs, the Carrera Calibre 16 is quickly becoming a horological classic. Explore our selection of TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.