TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16

The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 is classic in more ways than one. On one hand, it follows in the tradition of the Carrera, the legendary chronograph from the 1960s. On the other, it's powered by one of the most famous automatic chronograph movements in the history of watchmaking, the Valjoux 7750 from ébauche manufacturer ETA. Diverse luxury watch manufacturers, such as the Rolex subsidiary brand Tudor, use this caliber in their watches. A chronograph features a stopwatch function for timing. The Calibre 16 can measure time to 1/8ths of seconds and up to 12 hours. The day/date display on many models shows the current day of the week and date. A sporty-elegant design makes this watch the perfect companion in many situations, whether on the race track on the weekend or at the office during the week.

TAG Heuer uses the Calibre 16 in many different collections, including for the chronographs in the Aquaracer and Link series. The movement is based on the Valjoux 7750, which has been powering wristwatch chronographs since the early 1970s.

Calibre 16 has a diameter of about 30 mm and a thickness of 7.9 mm. Due to its size, watches powered by it are often larger than 40 mm. The balance wheel, the heart of the movement, vibrates at a frequency of 28,800 A/h, equivalent to 4 Hz. This high frequency allows the wearer to time 1/8ths of seconds. In addition to the central chronograph second hand, there are three subdials: the small seconds at nine o'clock, the 30-minute counter at twelve o'clock, and the 12-hour counter at six o'clock. The day/date display is located at three o'clock. On the Heritage Calibre 16 models, the date window is at six o'clock. The push-piece at two o'clock controls the starting and stopping of the chronograph. To reset it, you need to first stop the chronograph, then press the push-piece at four o'clock, which resets it to zero. A rotor ensures that the chronograph is wound and has power; without winding, the power reserve lasts for around 42 hours.

Another Swiss manufacturer, Tissot, offers a good alternative to TAG Heuer's Carrera Calibre 16: the PRS 516. This timepiece is also powered by the Valjoux 7750. Therefore, their calibers share many characteristics. Their designs are also similar: Like the Carrera, the PRS 516 was inspired by racing and has roots tracing back to the 1960s. Its distinguishing features are its perforated bands made from either leather or stainless steel, an homage to the racing sport. Another hallmark is its black bezel with a tachymetric scale featuring the large, striking "60" above twelve o'clock. The 45-mm version has a stainless steel case. Most models have black dials, though silver is also an option for some watches. Like the Carrera Calibre 16, some models feature silver-bordered subdials at twelve and six o'clock. Lastly, the watch has a characteristic Tissot feature: a T-shaped central second hand, which serves as the chronograph second hand on chronograph models. Tissot uses classic line indices as hour markers, and sapphire glass provides a clear view of the dial on the front and the movement on the back of the watch.