Introducing: The New TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox Models
At Watches and Wonders last year, TAG Heuer presented new Carrera models using a 39mm Glassbox case design. Many celebrated these watches due to their clean, classic looks and moderate size. Since then, more variants have entered the lineup, including a full-gold model and the return of the cult-classic Skipper. Now we have two new models to celebrate Watches and Wonders 2024.
Yes, the latest Carrera Glassbox chronographs are a hit for TAG Heuer. Aside from the occasional pure retro reissue, many of us wondered when the brand would return to a more classic rendition of one of the most famous racing watches. We received our answer in 2023 with two stainless models that formed the initial release. For 2024, a pair of updated variants are now available, and they should prove popular with potential buyers.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox Chronograph
The first new TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox (ref. CBS2216.BA0041) is made of stainless steel and features a silver dial with dark gray sub-dials and an inner tachymeter ring. It’s notable for red on the sub-dial hands, outer minute track, and the tip of the central chronograph hand. Indeed, this version of the Carrera contains a high level of contrast. This watch uses the now-customary 39mm case with a 46mm lug-to-lug and 13mm thickness.
There’s also something new here because this Carrera Glassbox is the first model on a steel bracelet. It’s a three-row, matte-finished version that works well with the watch. It’s sporty yet elegant and complements the dial well. The movement is visible via a display case back and is the brand’s in-house TH20-00 automatic. It has 80 hours of power reserve, a 4Hz frequency, a column wheel, a vertical clutch, a quick-set date, a 30-minute counter, and a 12-hour counter. This watch’s water resistance is also quite reasonable at 100 meters.
Thoughts and pricing
This latest Carrera Glassbox is quite attractive and shakes up a steel lineup that has been somewhat monotone thus far. I also like how TAG Heuer has introduced a sporty flair to this piece without dipping into the boy-racer styling that haunted the Carrera over the past decade. It’s classy and could easily step up to everyday office duties. Pricing is set at €6,550 which is only €50 more than a similar version on a leather strap. For more details on the silver-dial Carrera Chronograph, visit the official TAG Heuer website.
The Carrera Glassbox Skipper in 18K rose gold
The next Carrera Glassbox (ref. CBS2241.FN8023) comes in 18K 5N (rose) gold. However, there’s more because this watch brings in the beloved Skipper dial with its colorful regatta-ready 15-minute countdown timer. It joins a stainless steel version that successfully debuted last July. Here, the watch contains rose gold-colored dial appointments along with the expected navy-blue dial, seafoam green, and orange-red highlights.
As expected, the new Carrera Glassbox Skipper has the same 39 × 46 × 13mm dimensions as its stainless steel sibling. It also uses the TH20-06 automatic movement with a 15-minute counter instead of the normal Carrera’s 30-minute counter. The watch is equipped with a blue fabric strap and a rose gold pin buckle.
Thoughts and pricing
The Carrera Glassbox Skipper in 18K gold was a surprise and turned out to be a positive one! I reviewed the steel model when it debuted and was slightly disappointed by the inclusion of a running seconds indicator at 6 o’clock and the location of the “Skipper” nomenclature on the dial. For reasons I cannot explain, the gold model manages to look better, but then again, I do love gold! The price, however, is a healthy increase over the steel model at €21,150. For more information on the new Skipper, visit the TAG Heuer website.
Some will decry that both new Carrera Glassbox models are relatively simple, cosmetic changes to existing chronographs. That’s harsh as this platform is still a relatively young release. Besides, they’re both attractive and benefit the lineup.
