In every case, the Carrera remained a rugged and functional tool watch aimed specifically at drivers. Its edition number is engraved on the backĪs the years passed the Carrera name appeared on numerous different designs of Heuer watches ranging from simple time-only models to automatic chronographs with dual time zone and date functions. Below: its edition number is engraved on the back Known as the Carrera-12 due to its 12-hour totaliser at six o’clock, the watch became the default choice of professional drivers and enthusiastic amateurs.Ī favourite with racing drivers since 1963. It featured a 36mm steel case, a Valjoux 72 manual wind movement and the reference number 2447D.
After Heuer struck up a conversation with Mr and Mrs Rodriguez in the pits, talk turned to their country’s famous Carrera Panamericana race, which had been scrapped eight years earlier.Įnthralled by the idea of both the event and the evocative ‘Carrera’ name, Heuer was determined to use it for his next chronograph design and registered exclusive rights for watch use (Porsche had already bagged it for cars).īy December 1963 the new Heuer Carrera driver’s chronograph was ready for launch. Mexico’s Rodriguez brothers, Ricardo and Pedro, were driving for Ferrari and their parents had gone along to cheer them on.
In case the oft-told story of the Carrera’s genesis has passed you by, it began life in 1963 after Jack Heuer (great-grandson of Heuer founder Edouard) had attended the previous year’s Sebring 12 Hours. Regular readers of this page will know that TAG Heuer releases limited editions of its celebrated Carrera chronograph on a frequent basis, but the one here is worthy of mention because it celebrates the 60th anniversary of the launch of the original.
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