TAG Heuer has collaborated with Porsche to introduce the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana, a limited edition of only 255 pieces. This exclusive timepiece marks a milestone, celebrating Porsche’s victories in the 1954 edition of the legendary Carrera Panamericana, where the Porsche 550 Spyder achieved top placements. This watch not only commemorates the 70th anniversary of those victories but also the rich, intertwined histories of both TAG Heuer and Porsche in motorsport, which have been partners since 2021.
The Carrera Panamericana was a formidable cross-country race that tested drivers and their vehicles over a grueling 3,000-kilometer course across Mexico. Despite its short run of only five editions, the race left a lasting legacy in the world of motorsport, remembered for its high speeds and extreme challenges.
Inspired by the Porsche 550 Spyder, the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana showcases a design that mirrors the iconic race car. The skeleton dial includes intricate details that reflect the Spyder’s wheels, and the color palette – silver, yellow, and black – mirrors the car’s original livery. The movement plate features a snail-brushed finish visible through the dial, reminiscent of the race’s asphalt.
This timepiece is housed in a 42mm stainless steel case that sports both fine-brushed and polished finishes, with a “Spyder” logo engraved on the side using the original font from the 1950s. A special domed sapphire Glassbox crystal, reminiscent of 1970s designs, enhances the vintage aesthetic while incorporating modern engineering to merge with the flange seamlessly.
At its core, the TH20-09 tourbillon movement includes a vertical clutch and column wheel, and the rotor is shaped like a Porsche steering wheel. This movement ensures reliability with a 65-hour power reserve and is visible through a transparent caseback.
This exceptional watch is finished with a black perforated calfskin strap that includes a yellow lining visible on the side, complemented by a steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons. Each piece is individually numbered and marked as a “LIMITED EDITION.”
Priced at CHF 35,000, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana isn’t very expensive watch but it’s a testament to a storied race and a collaboration that crosses decades. Available from October 2024, this limited edition will be a coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts of both TAG Heuer and Porsche.
