The term gets thrown around a lot, but the TAG Heuer Carrera is inarguably an iconic watch – especially if you’re a motorsports fan. First introduced in 1963 and named after the historic (and incredibly dangerous) Carrera Panamericana rally in Mexico, it’s the archetypal motorsports chronograph. Like any of the big names in watchmaking, it’s also the subject of passionate collector interest: historically significant references like the inaugural ref. 2447 or the ref. 3147N “Shelby Cobra” are extremely hot property, with many of the most coveted Carreras understandably the ones with the most potent connections to motoring history.
But what if you had the chance to design your own Carrera? Would you go for something minimalist, like Hiroshi Fujiwara has just done, or lean into preppy vibes like Hodinkee or Rowing Blazers and Bamford did for their collabs? Or would you stay true to the spirit of the Carrera and the (TAG) Heuer brand, and create something that pays homage to the glory days of motorsport, in which this watchmaker made its fame? Well, that’s exactly what’s been done with the latest Australian-exclusive Carrera limited edition: one of the most thoughtful takes on the iconic chronograph to date, that is also the product of unheard-of levels of community engagement for a big box brand.
First, the watch
The new TAG Heuer Carrera Australian Limited Edition, as it’s called, is actually a mélange of two of the most collectible and historically significant Heuer references, both first introduced in 1969, blended with the modern Carrera Glassbox form: the Autavia 1163T “Jo Siffert” from 1969 and the Carrera 1158 CHN “Success Watch”.
The Heuer Autavia ref. 1163 T “Jo Siffert”. Image courtesy of Bonhams
The former was the first (TAG) Heuer chronograph series to feature a model name on its dial – setting a stylistic precedent for virtually every model that came after it – and, as its nickname suggests, was made famous by being on the wrist of Swiss Formula 1 driver Joseph “Jo” Siffert. Siffert was Heuer’s first-ever brand ambassador, and his promotion of the brand led to Heuer chronographs becoming popular accessories among his fellow drivers and in the F1 paddock. Siffert was also the man who both advised and inspired Steve McQueen for his starring role in Le Mans (1971).
The Heuer Carrera ref. 1158 CHN “Success Watch”. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s
The “Success Watch” is also famous due to Formula 1, a sport TAG Heuer is virtually synonymous with (especially since its return as the sport’s official timekeeper this year). In the 1970s, Heuer’s maverick CEO Jack Heuer famously gifted race-winning F1 drivers this solid gold Carrera reference, with the first being given to Ronnie Peterson – his engraved with the message “Success Ronnie Peterson from Jack W. Heuer”. Building on Siffert’s boosting of Heuer, gold Carreras quickly became the must-have status symbol among race car drivers.
Features of these two watches are elegantly combined in this Australian LE: the Jo Siffert’s panda aesthetic, blue highlights, steel case and rally strap are merged with the Success Watch’s côtes de Genève dial finish, divided into three vertical sections, as well as its status as a Carrera rather than an Autavia. The resulting package is a Carrera with a versatile and dressy look that’ll fly under the radar, but with details that any watch nut and/or revhead worth their salt will recognise and appreciate.
Its genesis
Unlike most TAG Heuer LEs, which are totally designed internally or are penned in collaboration with other brands, this reference CBS221E.FC6613 is the result of TAG Heuer working closely with a group of Australia’s most passionate TAG Heuer collectors.
“The discussion began in 2023, when Australian collectors met with Nicholas Biebuyck, TAG Heuer’s Global Heritage Director, in Sydney,” TAG Heuer relates, with Nick in town for the 60th anniversary of the Carrera name. “Their shared passion for the brand’s history and craftsmanship sparked an initiative that brought together heritage, innovation, and local expertise. The result is a timepiece that resonates deeply with Australia’s community of sophisticated enthusiasts.”
“The watch enthusiast community in Australia is strong, passionate and deeply engaged – there are true watch lovers here in Aus,” Paxton Wong, noted watch collector and founder of Australian watch fair WatchFest, tells Time+Tide.
“We felt the beginning of a TAG Heuer renaissance when Frédéric Arnault injected new energy into the brand. Van [Mulryan, General Manager of TAG Heuer Australia and New Zealand]’s outreach to the community, followed by Nick Biebuyck’s visit to TAG Heuer collectors, created a sense of calm before the storm. The idea had already been brewing for about three years – ever since we first discussed the possibility of an Australian edition Carrera. The excitement only grew when Antoine Pin gave the green light for 2025. Australia, and Sydney in particular, has long been a TAG Heuer destination.”
Paxton’s right. Sydney’s TAG Heuer boutique has long ranked as the brand’s #1 boutique globally, with the watchmaker enjoying a particularly passionate following Down Under – perhaps an unsurprising phenomenon considering the Aussie love for motorsports and cars.
“Ideas ran wild within the community,” Paxton shares. “There was a dedicated core group as well as long-time TAG Heuer aficionados. Concepts ranged from opals to pearls to coastal themes, but the project eventually narrowed into a timepiece both meaningful and worthy of the TAG Heuer name. At its heart was the idea of mateship – something we all relate to as Aussies. Looking at how Jack Heuer shared his passion with his mates, like Ronnie Peterson and Jo Siffert, it became clear that the DNA for this edition would come from that spirit of friendship. You can see it reflected in this Australian edition Carrera.”
Closing thoughts
Couldn’t help taking this Sydney Harbour Bridge wrist shot!
Prima facie, I think this Aussie Carrera is just an excellent execution of an already excellent watch. Having had the chance to wear the prototype for the last two weeks, I’m really taken with it. I think it really speaks to the taste and genuine passion that Australia’s TAG Heuer cognoscenti that they avoided the temptation to go for something on-the-nose Australian and have instead paid a subtle, considered tribute to (TAG) Heuer’s back catalogue. This is a limited edition that other regions should rightly feel jealous of.
“Celebrating the [Carrera’s] 60th anniversary in Australia among such passionate collectors was an incredible experience,” Nicholas Biebuyck explains. “This remarkable project, which originated from discussions held in Australia, was driven by the collector’s enthusiasm. Their motivation sparked a flow of ideas that allowed us to create an exceptional timepiece. I am genuinely excited to witness the launch of this project and see it come to life… This release stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the deep passion of Australia’s watch-collecting community.”
“With its 1163 inspiration, côtes de Genève dial and Glassbox design, this is a true TAG Heuer for Australia,” Paxton concludes. “This watch is significant because it strengthens the TAG Heuer family here even further. It’s a timepiece that has been eagerly and enthusiastically anticipated.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox Australian Limited Edition pricing and availability
This TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox Australian Limited Edition, as you may have guessed, is a limited edition of 75 individually numbered pieces and is exclusively available in Australia (and New Zealand) via TAG Heuer boutiques and online. Price: A$11,800
Brand
TAG Heuer
Model
Carrera Australian Limited Edition
Reference Number
CBS221E.FC6613
Case Dimensions
39mm (D) x 13.9mm (T) x 46mm (L2L)
Case Material
Stainless steel
Weight
89 g (watch and strap)
Water Resistance
100 metres
Crystal(s)
Sapphire front and back
Dial
Brushed silver with black subdials and blue highlights
Lug Width
20.7mm
Strap
Perforated black calfskin rally-style strap, two-button folding clasp
Movement
TH20-00, in-house, automatic
Power Reserve
80 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
Availability
Limited edition of 75 pieces, AU/NZ exclusive
Price
A$11,800