TAG Heuer joins forces with Porsche

The watchmaker and the German carmaker launch a stunning new watch together

The brands announced the launch of the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph, the first tribute to the historic partnership between the two companies. It marks the start to a long-term cooperation that will range from competitions to product development.

The limited edition is available exclusively at Geneve Company

Both TAG Heuer and Porsche have a rich history and a reputation for innovation. But they are also known for their use of cutting-edge technology, their dynamic, free-spirited mind-set and their gift for design excellence.

For over half a century, their respective histories have been intertwined in intricate and fascinating ways. It could no doubt be argued that the legacies of both brands show certain similarities evident in retrospective, including the very founding of the companies, which in both cases is thanks to a self-taught entrepreneur.

Edouard Heuer and Ferdinand Porsche were visionaries and pioneers whose creations forever changed their respective fields. Heuer was responsible for the production of the first chronograph; Porsche invented the electric wheel-hub engine.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph is an extraordinary example of coordination, cooperation and collaboration

Based on the design of the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph with its characteristic tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel, the new model incorporates features inspired by the essence of Porsche design. The captivating chronograph combines two icons of performance, quality and innovation, managing to bring together the worlds of Porsche and TAG Heuer in a way that exhibits the excellence of both brands while staying true to their essence.

The bezel features a Porsche inscription engraved with the same unmistakable font also used on the indexes. The watch uses the colours red, black and grey for all its elements, while the transparent sapphire crystal case back allows admirers to observe the oscillating weight that has been redesigned as an affectionate nod to the iconic Porsche steering wheel and features printed Porsche and TAG Heuer inscriptions.

The dial boasts an asphalt effect created especially for this model that reflects a passion for the road, and the Arabic numerals recall the numbers on the dashboard of stunning Porsche sports cars.

The bezel features an engraved red Porsche inscription

The outstanding model is completed inside by the in-house Calibre Heuer 02 movement, which builds up an impressive 80-hour power reserve.

Moreover, since it is a special edition watch, the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph is delivered in a specially made box featuring a style and colours to match the stunning watch contained inside.

The pioneering watch is set on a soft strap in luxurious calfskin that echoes the Porsche interior

Details

Movement: Automatic Calibre Heuer 02.

Case: Diameter of 44 mm. Crafted in polished and fine-brushed stainless steel.

Crown: In stainless steel at 3 o’clock, with a red band.

Water resistance: 100 metres (10 bar).

Dial: Grey with asphalt effect.

Counters: At 3 o’clock: black azurage minute chronograph counter with a red-tipped rhodium-plated hand.

At 6 o’clock: black azurage seconds chronograph counter with a rhodium-plated hand.

At 9 o’clock: black azurage hour chronograph counter with a red-tipped rhodium-plated hand.

Date indicator at 6 o’clock.

Strap: Embossed black calfskin with hand stitching, black calfskin lining.

Available at Geneve Company

The L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Ox by Chopard

Jewellery and watches are what sell best on the Chinese market. Indeed, in 2018, the country accounted for 30% of spending in the luxury market, and this number continues to rise. Hence, major brands in the industry compete harder and harder to attract the attention of Chinese consumers.

Chinese travellers in Europe are important for tourism, because they are who buy most when travelling, since it is cheaper for them to buy in Europe than in China.

Chinese New Year (also known as the Spring Festival) is the most important celebration in the Asian country and in many of its neighbouring countries. This year will begin on 12 February 2021 and end on 31 January 2022. When celebrating Chinese New Year, those living in China often take holidays lasting anywhere between two weeks and a month and a half, making it the best time to travel to Europe to buy gifts for loved ones.

In this regard, Chopard is one of the major brands that participates in the festivities by coming out with new products. The Maison surprises connoisseurs again this year with a stunning, unique, elegant watch that embraces superior ancient Asian craftsmanship, the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Ox. It is a timepiece dedicated to the Year of the Metal Ox, an animal that, according to the Chinese horoscope, is favourable to harvests, wisdom and loyalty.

Its dial in Urushi, a special Asian lacquer made from the sap of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree, is crafted by Japanese lacquer masters to reveal a scene that evokes ancient labours, humble prosperity and timeless elegance. It also features gold, representing good fortune.

Urushi is an ancient Asian lacquering technique used for an array of items

The 88-piece limited edition has an in-house LUC 96.17-L movement that has been entirely developed, produced and assembled at the Chopard High Watchmaking workshops. This self-winding mechanical movement oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a power reserve of nearly 65 hours thanks to Twin technology, a system invented by Chopard combining two coaxial barrels.

The dial portrays the Metal Ox, the Chinese Zodiac sign of 2021

The undeniable centrepiece of this model is its dial, which is adorned with gold flakes that illuminate the background and shows the golden ox with straight horns harnessed to a cart made out of gold, mother-of-pearl and coloured lacquer.

The ultra-slim rose gold case measures 39.5 mm in diameter and 6.80 mm thick

Details of the watch

It boasts an 18-carat gold case and a crown in the same material. It is water resistant to 30 metres and set on a matte black alligator leather strap with hand-sewn matching tones. The timepiece indicates hours and minutes with a self-winding mechanical movement. Limited edition of 88 pieces.

At its heart beats a LUC 96.17-L movement