Introducing: The TAG Heuer Carrera Astronomer
For Geneva Watch Days 2025, TAG Heuer has brought a surprising number of new models. One of the favorites is the subject of this article. The Carrera Astronomer is a new addition to the lineup and is available in three references. As we’ll soon see, one is destined for serial production, while two are limited editions.
For most modern fans of TAG Heuer, the brand is known for its participation in motorsports. It’s an appropriate take, especially since the company returned earlier this year as the official timekeeper of Formula One. However, today’s Carrera Astronomer looks back on a different time at Heuer. Indeed, throughout the marque’s lengthy history, watches with moonphase indications have featured in the collection. For 2025, the complication is returning and, if I may say so, in good form.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Astronomer
The three new Astronomer models each have a 39mm by 45.2mm stainless steel case. Despite the added complication to the movement, the watches retain a reasonable 12.16mm thickness. Yes, folks, this is a new TAG Heuer focused on making wearable watches, and we are here for it! Also, as an ode to everyday usability, each piece has a depth rating of 100 meters.
What is the complication?
Before we break down the three colorways, let’s spend a moment on the dial and complication. All variants contain highly legible dials with applied Arabic hour numerals. Luminous hour and minute hands are paired with a centrally mounted seconds hand, which extends to a contrasting outer track. However, it’s the display at the bottom of the dial that gives the watch its purpose.
The Carrera Astronomer displays a graphic progression of moon phases and descriptions in an arc, accompanied by a corresponding scale that depicts the 29.5-day lunar cycle. A rotating disc sits in the middle and is equipped with a two-arrow hand. This hand allows the watch’s wearer to read the lunar phase, position within the cycle, and description of the phase simultaneously. Regarding the movement of the disc, it changes daily at 1:00 AM. It’s wonderfully simple and, unlike a traditional moonphase complication, sporty-looking.
Three variants of the Carrera Astronomer
As mentioned, the Carrera Astronomer collection comprises three references. The serial-production piece contains a silver dial with a black minute track and moonphase display. It is available on the brand’s modern beads-of-rice bracelet and has a retail price of CHF 4,550.
A second purely stainless steel model also sports a silver sunburst dial but trades the black details for gray. Additionally, various features, including the moonphase indicator and Arabic numerals, are filled with turquoise Super-LumiNova. A gray leather strap with a push-button folding clasp is paired with this limited edition of 500 pieces, which has a price of CHF 4,350.
Finally, a two-tone limited edition of 500 pieces adds 5N-gold-plated hardware and details to a silver sunburst dial. The bracelet contains a row of solid 18K links, which pushes the price up to CHF 6,900.
The movement
Inside, TAG Heuer uses the automatic Calibre 7. While details on the movement are relatively scarce, we believe this is a Sellita-based caliber. It has 50 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 28,800vph. The Carrera Astronomer differs from other models within the lineup with its all-steel screw-in case back. Appropriately, it features an inscribed telescope peering out of an observatory.
Final thoughts
While the moonphase complication is relatively niche, TAG Heuer has created a purposeful-looking model in the new Carrera Astronomer. This should aid its popularity. Plus, the moonphase indicator is damn cool, and that’s coming from someone who is normally ambivalent toward this complication! Let’s also not forget that this is a genuinely wearable watch with sweet-spot dimensions and a price worthy of consideration. Let us know your thoughts on this latest trio.
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