Overall, I applaud TAG Heuer on their ability to stay on task using the dial of the Link Calibre 5. It’s sporty, legible, attention-grabbing, and otherwise, as restrained as possible. The case is in fact three distinct shapes all somehow rolled into one. The hyperlink situation is round, tonneau, and cushion-shaped. How did that occur? This is because the dial is around, the bezel is cushion-shaped, and the case itself is tonneau, with broad lugs that integrate directly into the bracelet. I know for certain that the method by which in which the Link appears on the wrist is quite different than previous ones and this will make a few fans a bit standoffish at first. To those people, I’d urge patience and let the brand new design grow on them. This might be a new personality for the TAG Heuer Link, however it’s a welcome one with a more spirited voice and awareness of purpose.The TAG Heuer Link assortment has and continues to be all about the necklace. TAG Heuer retains the core DNA of this “S-curve” connection, Link bracelet, but renders it in an entirely new way. The new Link bracelet is beefier and a lot more polished. Additionally, it retains that infuriatingly intricate bracelet construction system that begs to be adjusted solely by a trained professional. Even though you can size this bracelet yourself (with the right tools), I wouldn’t suggest it.
Appealingly sporty and relatively affordable – the basic version sells for just over US$5000 or S$7000 – the Carrera Heuer-01 is TAG Heuer‘s bestselling chronograph. Previously only available in steel, titanium or gold, the Heuer-01 is now available entirely in black ceramic.
The case middle, bezel and lugs are in smooth, sandblasted black ceramic, with the option of a matching ceramic bracelet. And as is typical for ceramic watches, the case back is black-coated steel, because ceramic doesn’t withstand torsional forces well so screws into a ceramic back are a bad idea.
Visually the ceramic Heuer-01 is nearly identical to the earlier versions, with a skeleton dial – also made of black ceramic – that exposes the mechanics of the movement, most notably the date mechanism and chronograph gears.
The self-winding Heuer-01 movement is visible under the sapphire back, with a red lacquered column wheel taking pride of place.
Price and availability
The Carrera Heuer-01 is available in two guises. The first is with a black ceramic bracelet (ref. CAR2A91.BH0742) priced at US$6300 or S$8650. And on a rubber strap (ref. CAR2A91.FT6071) it will cost US$6200 or S$8500.
Both will be available sometime in the first quarter of 2017 from TAG Heuer boutiques and retailers.
