Introduced in 2006, the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 360 Rose Gold Limited Edition is an important collector’s piece. This model is a luxurious version of the Calibre 360 Concept Chronograph, the first mechanical wrist chronograph to measure and display time to 1/100th of a second.
In 2005, TAG Heuer presented the Calibre 360 Concept Chronograph and in 2006, the limited edition Carrera Calibre 360 Rose Gold was launched.
Produced in a limited edition of 360 pieces, the Carrera Calibre 360 Rose Gold model pays homage to the peerless timekeeping heritage and longstanding links to motor racing of TAG Heuer’s formidable Carrera series.
Launched in 1964, the first Carrera timepiece derived its name from the gruelling Carrera Panamericana road race, and was worn by the Maestro, racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio. Its horological descendent, the Carrera Calibre 360 Rose Gold Limited Edition features sober, easy-to-read-and-use details inspired by TAG Heuer’s vintage stopwatches. These include the extra large Start/Stop push button; the enhanced fluted crown; the 100-minute chronograph power reserve at 12 o’clock; and the oversized 1/100th of a second counter at 6 o’clock.
The Calibre 360 beats 10 times faster than the most precise mechanical wristwatch movement on the market today. It is like a living organism endowed with two hearts — 2 sets of escapement mechanisms — allowing it to cruise at regular speed (28,800 oscillations/hour) under normal conditions, then accelerate to immense speed (360,000 oscillations/hour) in chronograph mode.
For a movement to be this incredibly precise requires more than 230 components, a drastically lightened and miniaturized hairspring and escapement mechanism (26% smaller in diameter than an ordinary balance wheel), and finally, no fewer than 3 exclusive worldwide patents:
- 1. 1/100th of a second display on a mechanical wrist chronograph
- 2. Bi-directional crown and rewind system: The single crown controls the automatic watch and the mechanical chronograph, as well as the watch’s hour and date setting. When turned counter-clockwise, it rewinds the automatic watch; when turned clockwise, it rewinds the manual chronograph.
- 3. Transmission of the date from the bottom of the movement to the upper dial.
With this special limited edition, the Calibre 360 movement is graced with the luxurious design, materials, and craftsmanship it deserves: an elegant chocolate-brown “guilloché” dial with hand-applied 18ct rose gold hands and indexes; 18ct rose gold watch case; and chocolate-brown, hand-sewn alligator strap.
The sapphire crystal case back offers a glimpse of the oscillating weight specially engraved with the movement’s name and beautifully decorated with Côte de Genève waves.
The Carrera Calibre 360 was also produced in following versions:
- Carrera Calibre 360 White Gold Limited Edition (100 pcs): 18 ct white gold case; silver “guilloché” dial with blue-ringed 1/100th of a second counter; dark blue hand sewn alligator strap.
- Carrera Calibre 360 Steel Limited Edition (360 pcs): Polished steel case; black “guilloché” dial with silver-ringed 1/100th of a second counter; black alligator strap.
Technical details
Movement
Hand-wound mechanical, TAG Heuer calibre 360, exclusive, patented, COSC-certified 1/100th seconds display
Two escapements: 28,800 v/h & 360,000 v/h (chronograph)
Personalised rotor, Côtes de Genève pattern, special engraving
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date
Case
Polished 750 (18K) pink gold, 41 mm
Asymmetrical push-pieces, bi-directional extra-large crown
Double-sided anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
Anti-reflective sapphire crystal back, engraved, individually numbered
Water-resistant to 50 metres
Dial
Chocolate brown, guilloché
Applique hour markers and pink gold hands Small seconds at 3 o’clock,
1/100th second counter at 6 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock.
Power reserve at 12 o’clock
Date window at 4.30
Bracelet/Strap
Chocolate brown alligator, hand-stitched, buckle
Other versions
Limited edition of 100 in white gold
Limited edition of 360 in steel