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TAG Heuer Gives Nod To Year Of The Dragon 2024 With Pair Of New Limited Edition Carrera Chronographs

Blending synonymous racing spirit with hints of Chinese culture, it’s time to welcome the Year of the Dragon in 2024 with a duo of limited edition TAG Heuer Carrera chronograph timepieces in red with epic dragon engraving on the caseback.

TAG Heuer’s Slogan Is “Don’t Crack Under Pressure.” We Think This Latest Novelty For The 2024 Lunar New Year Will Certainly Stand Up To The Test Of Time.

In Brief

Paying respect to Chinese New Year comes two limited edition Carrera chronograph watches from TAG Heuer’s horological stable, in stainless steel and 18k 5N rose gold.
Enter the dragon next year with The 42mm TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon 2024, complete with essential Chinese red hues and epic energetic heritage.
Produced in time for the Lunar New Year 2024, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon 2024 is the embodiment of cultural inspiration intertwined with the true essence of the brand’s racing lineage.
Signalling the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, this mysterious calendar event is not to be missed; it is the perfect melange of tradition, prestige and watchmaking that’s sure to bring in the Chinese New Year with a bang.
Available from mid-November, these limited edition red themed watches will be presented in a distinctive gift box, beige edgings and emblazoned with “TAG Heuer Carrera Limited Edition”
Evoking power, imperial strength and mysticism, this mythological Chinese creature has been captured beautifully on the caseback with golden scales, aligning true success that perfectly matches its horological counterpart.

1. Enter The Dragon

Consisting of twelve animals, created during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–9 A.D.) this mythical beast is seen as a positive sign in the Chinese Zodiac. This is in stark contrast to Western portrayal which sees it as a symbol of evil or possessing dark powers.

Source: Pinterest

Exuding altruism, authority and compassion, the Year of the Dragon takes place every 12 years. Previous occasions have been recorded as;

1916
1928
1940
1952
1964
1976
1988
2000
2012

Representing the fifth and only mythical animal among the whole Zodiac lineup, the dragon is also known as Yang, the male aspect. Like a Daytona or Royal Oak, people who are born under this particular year are characterised as having special traits, oozing charisma, intelligence, confidence and natural luck.

Well, you will certainly need the latter in order to buy a Rolex Daytona or buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. This is why the secondary market is becoming increasingly popular to land those sought after luxury watches which are unobtainable at retail.

It is this will to succeed, to carry out tasks with the utmost precision together with the timeless legacy that finds this symbiotic relationship found within the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon 2024.

And when in Rome, as they say in Chinese…龙年快乐 (Lóng nián kuàilè)...that’s Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon to you devoted horophiles!

2. Stop The Clock: When Did The 42mm Chronograph Emerge?

2020 to be exact.

Marking 160 years is no mean feat, but the brand justified this anniversary with the unveiling of the Carrera Chronograph 42. With a firm horological nod to its ancestral past, this collection was given a facelift Barry Manilow would be proud of.

42mm version, Source: TAG Heuer

Elegant and sleek, one cannot deny the impact of this collection which packs in its speedy chrono performance that’s a sure fire winner among petrol heads and luxury sports car fiends. Four timepieces were introduced in 2020 that increased the popularity of TAG Heuer…with that extra tinge of luxury.

Basing its architecture on cues taken from the classic 1963 Carrera that is nearly as much of a legend in the industry as a Rolex Sako or Omega Soyuz, this model takes its inspiration from the treacherous racing namesake, that snaked across dangerous Mexican terrain for more than 2km.

Angular lugs? Check. Angled flange? Oh yes…Bi-compax visuals? You name it. Crisp and as legible as an IWC Pilot, this luxury sports watch defined the sporting era during this period, worn by many F1 drivers and those with a need for speed. Its evolution is as fascinating as the pink dial Carrera Ryan Gosling wore at the most talked about movie of 2023…Barbie. Sadly, we don’t have a second to spare, watch fans.

As per the Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon 2024, this 42mm version from 2020 has no tachymeter scale on the actual bezel, tipping its horological hat to the original model from 1963.

For us, like a fine Chateau Mouton Rothschild, this is pure vintage at its best.

3. Personality Of The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon 2024

All souped up and ready to run, both watches are available on either steel or rose gold. Measuring 42mm x 14.33mm thick, there are plenty of early design traits going on that are a hallmark of the 1963 creation…with enough elegance to shake a red carpet at.

Source: TAG Heuer

Think a big crown and angular lugs that speak to enthusiasts of this particular model. And don’t forget the lack of tachymeter scale that harks back to times of yesteryear. Well, 1963 to be exact.

On to the dials and you can expect a sunray-brushed silver finish on the stainless steel novelty while there is a pink gold plated version on the gold version. The Indexes offer rhodium plated on the silver dial with pink gold plated seen on the gold timepiece which is enhanced thanks to an ornate finish in red lacquer.

This really gives the more expensive piece the edge for us in terms of sophistication and glamour. The subdials which are also decked out in red further add strength and luxury that benefits from a reverse panda style

Additional horological highlights include piston style pushers based at 2 and 4, fluted crown, sapphire case back as well as a central deep red lacquered seconds hand that sweeps around this sublime display.

Source: TAG Heuer

This matches up perfectly with the applied hour indices which are in red. Furthermore, we cannot help but notice the gorgeous dragon emblem that has been added to the face at 6 o’clock, produced in a calligraphy style that is embedded in Chinese heritage and technique. This really is the ideal blend of showcasing prosperity with modernity. Are you taking notes, Patek Philippe?

Replacing the small seconds sub dial, there is a pair of horizontal lines and a date aperture situated at 6 o’clock. As for lume, the only noticeable application has been kept as understated as a Cartier Tank with minimal usage on the display, central hour and minute hands not to mention the ends of the hour indices.

Source: TAG Heuer

Providing 100 metres of water resistance, you can take this timepiece for a gentle dive in that private pool or light snorkelling if you happen to be off the coast of the Caribbean. However, we would not advise you to take it out for giggles when jet-skiing. Far from it

So what exactly is under the bonnet? Flip the watch over and the transparent sapphire screwed caseback opens up a feast for the eyes. This ain't no Chinese whispers were talking about here timelords. Custom designed, discover a gorgeous printed dragon surrounding the caseback that coils itself like a silicon hairspring around the openworked Heuer 02 movement.

Now this baby is brimming with nearly as much complicated detail as the recent Aiguille d’Or winner at the recent 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève…the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Universelle RD#4. There is of course reference to these limited edition watches found here too with etchings signifying the following elements;

”Limited Edition” “One of 300” and “100 metres” (steel version)
“One of 50” on the 18K 5N rose gold model

Source: TAG Heuer

This timepiece is rounded off with its very own presentation box, again in red that’s home to this latest chronograph. This is accentuated by a Chinese Dragon symbol with flashes of beige, reserved for the branding, interior of the box holder and Chinese calligraphic markings.

Who needs Jackie Chan when you have this much Oriental inspiration?

Official Specs Of The New TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon 2024

References	CBN201H.FC6553 (stainless steel model) CBN2048.FC8323 (rose gold model)
Case Diameter	42mm
Case Thickness	14.33mm
Caseback	Sapphire crystal
Dial colours	Sunray-brushed in silver (stainless steel) Sunray-brushed with rose gold plated (rose gold)
Super-Luminova	Applied on indices, hour and minute hands
Water Resistance	100 metres (10 Bar)
Clasp Type	Complimenting steel folding clasp (stainless steel model) Rose gold pin buckle (gold version)
Strap Type	Red Alligator leather
Limited Edition	Yes 300 pieces (stainless steel version) 50 pieces (rose gold version)

4. Don’t Miss A Beat With The Heuer 02 Movement

Inside the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon 2024 beats away the Heuer 02 which has history all of its own. Pulsating at 28,800 Vph (4Hz) enjoy a glimpse through the glorious exhibition caseback where you will see intriguing features that guarantee this timekeeping beast ticks along as night follows day.

Source: TAG Heuer

Manufactured exclusively by the brand, it features a column wheel and vertical clutch with an impressive weekend-proof 80 hours of power reserve. That’s enough energy to fly to next year’s Monaco Grand Prix and back. Like Lewis Hamilton, The Heuer 02 delivers first rate performance that is in keeping with modern times and caters to adventure-seekers and thrillists to rival James Bond himself.

Making its first appearance back in 2017, it is a well deserved upgrade on the previous Heuer 01 movement and is much slimmer. Plus, the power reserve is remarkably better than its arch nemesis from 2009. Fret not, we don’t need to call on Batman this time.

Running around the perimeter of the caseback, discover the phenomenal etching of a dragon, kitted out with a smarter 3-6-9 design where the counters are positioned.

Official Movement Specs

Movement Name	Calibre Heuer 02
Movement Type	Automatic chronograph
Diameter	31mm
Amount of Vph	28,800 (4Hz)
Power Reserve	80 hours
Functions	hours, minutes, chronograph with counters for 30-minute and 12-hours, small seconds, date
Number of Jewels	33

5. Where Can You Buy A New TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon 2024?

Available from the 13th of November 2023 across their own stores, selected retail partners and through the online site, you can buy a TAG Heuer limited edition Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon 2024 in stainless steel for £5,500.

The 18ct rose gold model is priced at £19,650.

6. What’s Our View?

All this red is enough to make you raging to land one of these fabulous watches. And we don’t blame you. The Swiss brand has been pulling out all the stops recently with their releases ever since everyone went mad for the Glassbox at Watches and Wonders 2023.

And this horological express shows no sign of slowing down as this legendary collection adds yet another feather in their increasingly growing horological cap. On the face of it, they have managed to encapsulate the true essence of Chinese New Year, revered in the east to cohabitate alongside their values and epic racing lineage.

And it has literally worked a treat, mixing old with new in a harmonious relationship that has stood the course of time. And we do love the sumptuous presentation box that enhances the product beautifully.

7. Best Chinese New Year Watches

We couldn’t leave without recommending some of our flaming hot picks of the best watches for Chinese New Year;

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Black Ceramic Rabbit
IWC Automatic 40 Edition Year of the Rabbit
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Rabbit
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Rabbit (limited edition run of 500 pieces)
Blancpain Traditional Chinese Calendar 2023

8. Conclusion

The clock has finally stopped on our review.

But whatever festival you are celebrating, be it Chinese New Year, Hanukkah or Christmas, this very much looks like a definite stocking filler for those looking to buy a watch for 2024. With its strong red hues and enduring Asian spirit, you can easily flex this beauty amid the throes of a game of Dungeons and Dragons or for that super special occasion.

With enough prosperity to make Donald Trump look like a pauper, the limited edition effect of these timepieces may make them red hot among enthusiasts and would-be collectors. And like a Chinese dragon, if you want a bit of wisdom regarding where to snap up one of these beauties, Chrono Hunter can unquestionably assist with your specific buying needs.

Bellowing out multiple offers and the best possible prices via our array of handpicked reputable retailers, we cover all top luxury brands from TAG Heuer and Rolex to Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Cartier and Vacheron Constantin among others.

Time to ignite your fire and look for the sign…

Want to buy a TAG Heuer Year Of The Dragon 2024 in time for Chinese New Year? Want to buy or sell at the best possible prices with quick turnaround and in the safest environment? Take a second to contact ChronoHunter here. Whether purchase or sale, enter the details of the watch through our online forms or download our dedicated app today, available on both Apple and Android devices.

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