TAG Heuer's ascent into haute horlogerie continues with remarkable momentum. Following the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, the manufacture now introduces the complication to its most iconic collection—the Carrera—marking the first time a rattrapante has graced this storied lineage since Jack Heuer conceived the original in 1963.
This represents more than incremental product development. The Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph signals TAG Heuer's commitment to establishing credibility among serious collectors through legitimate complications executed with genuine horological sophistication. The brand's collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier produces movements that warrant attention beyond marketing hyperbole.
Things to Know About the Watch
The 42 mm grade-5 titanium case maintains the collection's signature peaked lugs while introducing refinements specific to this complication. Three pushers activate the chronograph functions—traditional pushers flanking the crown at two and four o'clock, with an elegantly integrated rattrapante pusher at nine o'clock. The glassbox crystal, refined from the 2023 Carrera redesign, creates a magnifying effect that enhances legibility while showcasing the architectural dial below.
That dial deserves particular attention. Constructed from translucent sapphire, it reveals the movement's exceptional finishing while maintaining the Carrera's fundamental clarity. The three subdials—minute chronograph at three o'clock, hour chronograph at nine, and running seconds at six—are individually crafted from sapphire, creating dimensional depth rarely achieved in contemporary sports chronographs. Red lacquered hands against anthracite counters provide visual punch without compromising readability, while the curved tachymeter flange follows the crystal's profile to minimize parallax error.
The Movement
The calibre TH81-01 represents the second iteration of TAG Heuer's Vaucher-developed split-seconds movement. Beating at 36,000 vph, the high-frequency architecture ensures chronograph precision while the 65-hour power reserve provides weekend autonomy. The movement comprises over 350 components that receive exhaustive hand-finishing—black polishing, anglage, and the signature checkered flag motif, applied individually via the graté technique. The oscillating mass, shaped like TAG Heuer’s shield logo and hand-painted with gradient detailing, demonstrates savoir-faire that extends beyond mere technical competence.
Through the sapphire case back, the floating movement effect borrowed from the Monaco Split-Seconds becomes apparent. This transparency extends TAG Heuer's recent design philosophy, inviting owners to appreciate the technical complexity underlying each rattrapante measurement.
Summary & Price
The split-seconds complication itself—allowing simultaneous timing of multiple events through independently controlled chronograph hands—represents one of horology's more challenging implementations. While simpler than perpetual calendars or minute repeaters, rattrapantes demand precise engineering to ensure the split-seconds hand remains perfectly synchronized with the primary chronograph hand when coupled, then snaps back flawlessly upon release.
The Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph positions TAG Heuer firmly in haute horlogerie territory. Expected availability from June 2026 suggests measured production volumes appropriate to this complication's complexity and the brand's evolving collector focus.
StickerPrice CHF 110,000— approx USd 138,000. More info on TAG Heuer here.
