TAG Heuer continues their long tradition of making racing chronographs with the Carrera Calibre 16. This Swiss luxury watch manufacturer combines proven movement technology with world-class finishes and sporty retro designs.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 is a chronograph that continues the tradition of the famous Carrera from the 1960s. Since its debut in 2004, this collection has expanded to contain a wide variety of models, ranging from classically elegant timepieces to decidedly sporty watches.
The Carrera Calibre 16 is water resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) and available in three sizes: 41, 43, or 44 mm. Most of these watches are made of stainless steel, though TAG Heuer also produces some titanium versions with black PVD coating. A majority of the dials come in classic black or white. However, you'll also find a few versions with a blue or anthracite sunburst dial. Luminous hands and indices make telling the time in the dark a breeze, while durable sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating on both sides protects the displays.
These timepieces get their name from their power source: the Calibre 16. This movement is based on the Valjoux 7750, which has proven its reliability time and time again over the decades. It provides the Carrera Calibre 16 an hour counter at 6, a small seconds dial at 9, and a minute counter at 12 o'clock. There's also a date or day-date display at 3 o'clock.
| Model/Reference number | Price (approx.) | Diameter |
| CBK2110 | 3,200 USD | 41 mm |
| CV201AP | 3,300 USD | 41 mm |
| CBB2010 | 3,500 USD | 44 mm |
| CV2A1AB | 3,600 USD | 43 mm |
| CV2A81 | 4,000 USD | 43 mm |
| CAR2A83 | 5,000 USD | 43 mm |
As its name implies, the 43-mm Carrera Calibre 16 Day-Date comes with a display for both the date and day of the week. This watch comes in one of two basic designs: There's the classic version with a narrow polished bezel, applied Arabic numerals, and a rehaut with a fine second scale. This rehaut is also found on many other Carrera models. Both the hands and numerals are made of rose gold, which looks beautiful against the white or black dial.
A stainless steel bracelet or alligator leather strap keeps these timepieces securely on the wrist. Prices for never-worn watches come in around 3,600 USD, while pre-owned pieces sell for an average of 2,900 USD.
The second version is much more modern. Unlike its sister model, it has a ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale and contrasting rings around the chronograph counters. What's more, the chronograph hands feature red tips. Rhodium-plated numerals and hands on a black, blue, brown, or dark gray dial complete the sporty look.
A stainless steel watch costs roughly 3,600 USD in mint condition. Expect to pay around 4,000 USD for the titanium version with a black PVD coating. Regardless of the case material, pre-owned pieces demand some 2,800 USD. The special edition Carrera Monaco Grand Prix requires a slightly larger investment. This timepiece comes with a polished stainless steel case and a rubber strap that resembles tire treads. Plan to spend anywhere from 3,700 to 5,000 USD on this model depending on its condition.
The main difference between the 41-mm Carrera Calibre 16 and its larger counterpart is its lack of a day display. What's more, TAG Heuer has opted against numerals for this model, replacing them with rhodium-plated stick indices. You still have the choice between a classic narrow bezel or a tachymeter bezel.
Watches with a narrow bezel are available with a black or blue dial and a stainless steel bracelet or matching leather strap. These timepieces change hands for around 3,200 USD new and 2,600 USD pre-owned.
With prices between 3,200 and 3,400 USD, models with a tachymeter bezel are slightly more expensive. However, they also come in a wider variety of designs. You'll find "reverse panda" dials with white subdials on a black background in addition to versions with a black or blue dial. What's more, TAG Heuer regularly produces special editions of this timepiece, such as the Fangio or Indy 500. Be sure to have between 3,200 and 3,900 USD on hand for one of these collector's items.
TAG Heuer pays tribute to Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna with the Carrera Calibre 16 Senna. One of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, Senna sadly passed away after a crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. This Carrera Calibre 16 is nearly identical to the 41-mm version; however, it measures 44 mm in diameter and has a sportier look thanks to its crown protector and wider push-pieces. You'll also find Senna's red "S" stamped on the black or gray sunburst dial.
TAG Heuer offers two versions of this watch. One has a satin-brushed stainless steel case and a steel bracelet with S-shaped links. The other is made of titanium with a black PVD coating and is paired with a rubber strap meant to resemble tire treads. You can purchase the stainless steel version for around 3,500 USD. The black titanium edition sells for about 50 USD less.
