In the case of basic maritime model, few problems are as evocative (or as specialised) as a tide indicator. The flexibility to chart excessive and low tide on the press of a pusher is a helpful performance, however the colourful, intricate graphical therapies of tide indicators are sometimes simply as efficient as their performance. The basic 1968 Heuer Seafarer reference 2446C (additionally bought because the Mareographe, with different variants bought co-branded by means of Abercrombie and Fitch) provides one of many best and most beloved of those vibrant problems, and for its newest launch, TAG Heuer seems to recapture that magic. The brand new restricted version TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee handsomely blends basic ‘60s dial components and colours with the streamlined fashionable “Glassbox” case design, making a compelling late-summer assertion watch that’s certain to garner some followers.
TAG Heuer makes use of the bigger 42mm “Glassbox” silhouette for the Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee’s chrome steel case. The combination of sharply angled lugs, pump pushers, and the Jetsons-esque bezel-less domed sapphire crystal must be acquainted to followers of the model, however TAG Heuer provides one new aspect right here. At 9 o’clock, the model features a beefy new rectangular pusher, devoted solely to the tide indicator complication. This new addition markedly adjustments the profile of the case in preliminary images, giving the Seafarer its personal distinctive character. With that mentioned, apart from the brand new pusher, this case is kind of equivalent to different variations of the Carrera, together with the sapphire show caseback and strong 100-meter water resistance ranking.
Naturally, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee’s graphic dial is the true centerpiece right here. TAG Heuer reworks the Carrera system reasonably extensively in photographs, starting with an outer minutes scale positioned on the convex outer fringe of the distinctive sloping chapter ring to echo the ref. 2446C’s minutes-scale bezel. Then, there’s the chronograph minutes subdial at 3 o’clock. On high of the silver azurage therapy, the model provides a good-looking set of sky blue regatta timer-style painted segments, lending the design a extra playful and energetic really feel in photographs. In fact, the 9 o’clock tide indicator subdial is probably the most totally up to date aspect, with segments in navy blue, sky blue, and striped black towards a crisp white backdrop. TAG Heuer additionally revises the 6 o’clock working seconds subdial as nicely, adorning the sloping outer chapter ring with the Seafarer title and deleting the usual Carrera’s 6 o’clock date window. Taken as a complete, it’s a punchy, summery new search for the Carrera, even when the precise utility of the brand new components is extraordinarily situational.
TAG Heuer powers the Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee with its in-house TH20-13 computerized chronograph motion. Outdoors of the brand new tide indicator complication changing the chronograph hours, the TH20-13 is broadly just like the acquainted TH20, together with its exemplary 80-hour energy reserve, 28,800 bph frequency, and the column wheel and vertical clutch chronograph actuation system. On the ending facet, the TH20-13 sports activities the model’s traditional Côtes de Genève throughout the bridges, a refined column wheel, and a good-looking brushed skeleton rotor formed just like the Heuer defend emblem. To finish the bundle, TAG Heuer matches the watch with a black rubber deployant strap that includes a pretty woven texture.
Nothing fairly matches the sunny, seafaring vibe of summertime like a tide indicator watch, and TAG Heuer has a historical past of making among the most sought-after examples. The brand new restricted version TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee brings the ethos of certainly one of its basic ‘60s examples into the fashionable age with a pretty, characterful dial therapy, spectacular construct high quality, and a novel, rarely-seen complication. Solely 968 examples of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee can be made, and the watch is obtainable by means of approved sellers and the Hodinkee Store now. MSRP for this watch stands at $7,950 USD as of press time. For extra info, please go to the model’s web site.
