TAG Heuer

Few brands enjoy so close a relationship to motorsport as TAG Heuer. Founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, this company has been producing stopwatches and chronographs since the very beginning. What's more, the manufacturer added dashboard instruments for cars and aircraft to their repertoire in the early 20th century.

Edouard's great-grandson, Jack, made Heuer watches the de facto standard of the racing world in the 1960s. Models like the Autavia, Carrera, and Monaco quickly earned cult followings and remain integral parts of TAG Heuer's current catalog. However, more recent collections like the Formula 1 and Aquaracer series of diving watches are also highly popular among the brand's fans.

Throughout its history, TAG Heuer has distinguished itself as an innovator in the industry – a legacy this watch manufacturer from La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, continues to uphold today. For example, TAG Heuer's engineers regularly use materials from the motorsport and aerospace industries. Furthermore, they were the first luxury watchmaker that dared to enter the smartwatch market with their Connected series.

5 Reasons to Buy a TAG Heuer Watch

• World-famous racing watches with a cult following
• Practical features like a chronograph or GMT function
• A design classic: the square Monaco
• Top models with a tourbillon and chronograph
• TAG Heuer Connected: the first luxury smartwatch

The most affordable way to own a TAG Heuer watch is to purchase a used model with a quartz movement. This includes select Formula 1 models that are available for as little as a few hundred dollars. The Aquaracer diving ref. WAY201A.BA0927 with a mechanical movement is priced at around 2,350 USD. Plan to spend about 2,800 USD on a three-hand version of the Autavia, such as ref. WBE5116.EB0173. If you'd prefer an Autavia chronograph, the price climbs to around 4,700 USD Reference CBS2210.FC6534 offers a modern interpretation of the legendary Carrera chronograph. You can buy this watch in mint condition for around 5,700 USD.

If you're interested in a TAG Heuer Monaco, the ref. CBL2111.FC6453 with a blue dial demands an investment of around 5,150 USD on Chrono24 in mint condition.

Timepieces in the Connected collection are digital, and purchase prices start at around 1,340 USD for specimens in mint condition.

TAG Heuer Models at a Glance

• Carrera – named after the Rallye Carrera Panamericana
• Monaco – made famous by the actor Steve McQueen
• Autavia – motorsport meets aviation
• Aquaracer – sporty diving watches
• Connected – TAG Heuer's first smartwatch

The Carrera line has been among TAG Heuer's most famous and successful collections since its debut in 1963. Designed by Jack Heuer himself, it gets its name from the famous Carrera Panamericana road rally, which was the most dangerous event of its kind back in the 1950s.

Over the decades, the Carrera has grown into a comprehensive collection of both vintage-inspired timepieces and watches with modern designs, including several options with a tachymeter bezel. TAG Heuer offers various chronograph editions, automatic three-hand watches with a date display, and models with skeletonized dials.

The Carrera Calibre 16 is a true modern classic. Movements in this collection are based on the proven Valjoux 7750, the most widely used chronograph caliber in the world. Reference CBK2110.BA0715 is a good example. This model has a classic look and is worn on a stainless steel bracelet. A mint-condition specimen will set you back about 4,000 USD.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 is the most affordable model in the line. This automatic three-hand watch comes with your choice of a day or day-date display. You can also choose between a solid stainless steel case or a two-tone combination of stainless steel and rose gold. Depending on the exact edition, a Carrera Calibre 5 demands an investment of between 2,000 USD and 2,580 USD.

TAG Heuer Carrera With an In-House Caliber

Since 2010, TAG Heuer has equipped selected Carrera models with its own calibers. The brand's first in-house movement, the Calibre 1887, is actually based on the Seiko caliber 6S78. The slightly younger caliber Heuer 01 is very similar to this movement and used in the company's sporty, modern chronographs. The Carrera Calibre 1887 is classic and elegant in terms of design. In terms of price, the two watches are about the same: expect to pay between 3,100 USD and 4,500 USD depending on the model.

The Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 is powered by the latest generation of in-house chronograph calibers. The sports models presented in 2020 cost around 5,900 USD in new or like-new condition, while versions with a skeletonized dial are available from around 5,000 USD. The version with additional GMT function (ref. CBG2A1Z.BA0658) is considerably more expensive and will set you back about 6,300 USD.

The Heuer 02 caliber also ticks in numerous special editions of the Carrera. For example, in the editions celebrating the company's 160th anniversary or the Porsche Edition presented in 2021. The Carrera Porsche Special Edition comes on a stainless steel bracelet or leather strap and changes hands for roughly 6,000 USD.

Top Models With Tourbillons

The top models in the collection feature the in-house caliber Heuer 02T. Models with titanium cases and diamond-set bezels are particularly stylish and sell for around 20,700 USD in mint condition. Ceramic editions change hands for roughly 17,800 USD. You can buy the top model, the Carrera Heuer 02T Nanograph, on Chrono24 for around 19,600 USD.

TAG Heuer unveiled a new Carrera equipped with a tourbillon under the reference number CBS5011.FC6566. This version has a stainless steel case. The shiny green dial of the watch, generally available on Chrono24 from around 24,500 USD, is striking.

The Carrera's 60th Anniversary

In 2023, the Carrera celebrated its 60th birthday – reason enough for TAG Heuer to present some new models.

With the Carrera Chronograph 60th Anniversary Edition (ref. CBK221H.FC8317), the manufacturer presented a limited edition of 600 pieces equipped with the caliber Heuer 02, reminiscent of the reference 2447 SN. In mint condition, the 39-mm watch demands an investment of approximately 8,750 USD on Chrono24.

The Porsche 911 also celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023. In this context, TAG Heuer presented the Carrera Chronosprint (ref. CBS2011.FC6529), a stainless steel timepiece dedicated to the famous sports car from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The in-house caliber TH20-08 sets the pace in this 42-mm watch. In mint condition, this model will set you back about 8,850 USD. The version with the reference number CBS2040.FC8318 has a rose gold case. The price here is around 22,300 USD.

After 40 years, TAG Heuer also launched the Carrera Skipper, dedicated to sailing. The 39-mm stainless steel ref. CBS2213.FN6002 is almost a 1:1 replica of the original Skipper, which the brand created for sailors back in 1983. The Skipper is powered by the automatic caliber TH20-06 and changes hands on Chrono24 for roughly 6,400 USD. Since 2024, TAG Heuer has also offered a variant with a rose gold case, which requires an investment of approximately 20,000 USD.

New Carrera Models 2024

Along with the Carrera Skipper in rose gold, TAG Heuer presented two other versions of its racing chronograph at Watches and Wonders 2024.

The Carrera Chronograph Panda ref. CBS2216.BA0041 is inspired by the Carrera 7753 SN, produced by Heuer in the 1960s. The watch features the brand's new glass box construction, whereby the watch crystal extends over the entire case. The 39-mm stainless steel watch is powered by the in-house caliber TH20-00. The price for a mint example on Chrono24 is around 5,800 USD.

The Carrera Dato ref. CBS2211.FC6545 is somewhat singular in vision. The model takes up the function and design of the Carrera 45 Dato introduced in 1968. Transferred to the dial, this means that the chronograph only has a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock. The 39-mm stainless steel watch is powered by the caliber TH20-07. Expect to pay around 5,700 USD for an unworn watch.

The TAG Heuer Monaco is a true design classic. This square chronograph first rose to fame after it appeared on Steve McQueen's wrist in the film "Le Mans." Vintage models with left-sided crowns from this period are highly sought after. Ref. 1133B is especially popular and features a red, white, and blue dial. It's powered by the Chronomatic caliber 11 or 12. When well maintained, this model commands prices in excess of 15,000 USD today. The version with a gray dial (ref. 1133G) changes hands for as little as 8,740 USD on Chrono24.

Current models with red, white, and blue dial, such as the ref. CAW211P.FC6356, look confusingly similar to the original from the movie. Prices for timepieces with a red, white, and blue "McQueen" dial sit around 5,820 USD.

If you'd prefer a wristwatch with a crown on the right-hand side of the case, the Monaco Calibre 12 (ref. CAW2111.FC6183) is the most affordable option. Here you have the choice between a black dial and a blue dial. The average price is approximately 5,380 USD.

TAG Heuer began phasing out the Monaco Calibre 12 in 2020 and replacing it with the in-house caliber Heuer 2. You can purchase a standard edition with a black or blue dial for approximately 6,500 USD on Chrono24. TAG Heuer also offers special editions like the Monaco Grand Prix de Monaco with a red and white dial (ref. CBL2114.FC6486) and the Monaco Green with a dark green sunburst dial (ref. CBL2116.FC6497). These timepieces demand an investment of between 9,860 and 10,400 USD.

TAG Heuer first introduced Monaco variants with skeletonized dials in 2023. The Monaco Chronograph Skeleton is made of titanium and is available in the three color combinations: "Original Blue," "Racing Red," and "Turquoise." The Monaco Skeleton is powered by TAG Heuer's in-house caliber Heuer 02, which offers a power reserve of 80 hours. The Monaco Chronograph Skeleton changes hands on Chrono24 for between roughly 9,400 USD and 10,200 USD in unworn condition.

The case of the Monaco Night Driver (ref. CBL2181.FC6515) released in 2023 is also made of titanium. The main feature of this black-coated watch is its opal gray dial, the outer edge and subdials of which glow blue in the dark. The watch is powered by the caliber Heuer 2 and will set you back about 9,520 USD.

The Autavia is TAG Heuer's third legendary chronograph. Its name is a portmanteau of the words "automobile" and "aviation." Vintage Autavia watches like ref. 2446 from the 1960s are extremely sought-after today and demand investments of between 11,200 and 19,000 USD in good condition. Particularly rare examples, such as the 2446 GMT, are usually more expensive.

Vintage Autavias from the 1970s and 80s are much more affordable. Heuer equipped most Autavias of this era with the Chronomatic calibers 11, 12 and 15, which can be easily identified by the crown on the left side. These timepieces have cushion-shaped cases, further distinguishing them from the manual models of the 1960s. Well-maintained specimens cost between 4,700 and 5,800 USD on Chrono24.

In 2017, TAG Heuer presented a new version of the Autavia with the in-house movement Heuer 02, the design of which is reminiscent of early chronographs from the 1960s. The version with a black dial and white subdials (ref. CBE2110.BA0687) will set you back about 4,600 USD. The model with a white dial and black subdials on a stainless steel bracelet costs about 5,820 USD.

New Edition of the Autavia

TAG Heuer treated the Autavia to a redesign in 2019. Along with chronographs, the collection also includes a series ofthree-hand watches powered by the Calibre 5, based on the ETA 2824 or Sellita SW200. The caliber of this Autavia is a COSC-certified chronometer. Historical models play an important role in the design of the modern Autavia. The highly legible, luminescent Arabic numerals, for example, hark back to the Autavia on-board instruments from the 1930s.

Plan to shell out about 2,800 USD on a stainless steel Autavia like ref. WBE5114.FC8266. You'll need another three or four hundred more dollars on hand to purchase the same watch in bronze. The variant with GMT function (ref. WBE511A.BA0650) will set you back about 4,000 USD.

At the heart of the current Autavia chronographs is the in-house caliber Heuer 02, which provides the watches with three subdials at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock as well as a date display, also located at 6. In contrast to its predecessors, which had line indices, the dial of the Autavia has features applied Arabic numerals since 2019. One example is ref. CBE511A.FC8279, which has a black dial. You can buy this model in mint condition for around 5,950 USD.

The entire Aquaracer collection is divided into the Professional 200, Professional 300, and Professional 1000 Superdiver lines and, depending on the collection and model, the watches are powered by a quartz or automatic caliber. Some variants also have a solar module.

Aquaracer Professional 200

An example of an Aquaracer Professional 200 for women is ref. WBP1311.BA0005. The case and bracelet of this 34-mm model are made of stainless steel. The watch is powered by the solar quartz caliber TH50-01 and costs around 2,000 USD in mint condition.

A typical men's model in the line is the Aquaracer Professional 200 Date (ref. WBP2110.BA0627). This 40-mm stainless steel three-hand timepiece has a gray dial. This watch is powered by the proven Calibre 5. You can call this model your own for around 2,500 USD.

The Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph (ref. WBP1112.FT6199) was launched in 2022 and is the perfect watch for fans of quartz-powered timepieces with solar technology. The 40-mm watch has a black-coated case and a black dial. Inside ticks the caliber TH50-00, which offers a power reserve of up to three and a half years in power saving mode. This watch will set you back about 2,800 USD.

Aquaracer Professional 300

Watches in Aquaracer Professional 300 collection are water-resistant up to 300 meters (30 bar, 984 feet). While men's models in the line have measure 43 mm in diameter, the women's versions are significantly smaller with a diameter of 36 mm.

The Aquaracer Professional Date ref.WBP201A.BA0632 is a classic diver's watch with a stainless steel case and bracelet. The watch is powered by the automatic Calibre 5. You can expect to pay around 2,900 USD for this model.

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT is ideal for watch enthusiasts who want a robust watch for everyday use and want to keep track of the time a second time zone. The Calibre 7 ticks inside this timepiece. The ref. WBP2010.BA0632, for example, costs approximately 3,360 USD in mint condition. The same watch is about 112 USD cheaper on a rubber strap.

Aquaracer Professional 300 For Ladies

In 2024, TAG Heuer announced five new versions of the Aquaracer Professional 300 for women with the same Calibre 5 but different dial colors. The colors are black, blue, white, turquoise, pink, and green. The green variant (ref. WBP231G.FT6226) changes hands for roughly 3,140 USD. The other models are somewhat more affordable.

Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver

If you want to dive to depths of up to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,281 ft), check out the Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver. The case and bracelet of this 45-mm watch are made of titanium. The watch is powered by the caliber TH30-00, based on the Tudor MT5612. The movement offers a 70-hour power reserve.

Plan on spending about 5,700 USD on one of these models (like ref. WBP5A8A.BF0619) in mint condition.

The TAG Heuer Connected was the first smartwatch from a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer. Its design resembles that of the Carrera, and its different virtual dials – known as "watch faces" – take their cues from various historical models. At the heart of the Connected is either an Intel or Snapdragon processor running the Android Wear operating system. You can pair the watch with your iOS or Android device and download thousands of apps. For example, you can use the Connected to get directions, pay for items with Google Pay, listen to music, translate phrases, or track your workouts.

The TAG Heuer Connected has a 41 or 45-mm case and is largely made of lightweight titanium. However, there are also models with rose gold-plated or ceramic bezels and lugs. Watches with diamond-studded bezels and lugs are particularly luxurious and geared primarily toward women. When it comes to band options, you can choose between a leather or rubber strap or a ceramic or titanium bracelet.

TAG Heuer introduced a number of new Connected models in 2023, including the Connected E4 Sport Edition. A 45-mm black-coated titanium watch with color accents in a choice of red, orange, or turquoise is available. New is the "Trail & Hiking" app, which TAG Heuer launched in 2023. Another new feature is a built-in barometer that allows the wearer to track their speed and elevation profile. The ref. SBR8A80.EB0259 will set you back about 2,200 USD in unworn condition.

Other popular TAG Heuer collections include the Formula 1 and Link lines. The former is – as the name suggests – dedicated to racing and is also primarily aimed at a younger audience. At the same time, quartz versions of the Formula 1 collection offer an affordable introduction to the TAG Heuer brand. The collection offers three-hand watches and chronographs.

Ref. CAZ1010.BA0842 is a popular quartz-driven stainless steel chronograph with a black dial and demands an investment of approximately 1,680 USD in unworn condition.

If you're looking for an automatic chronograph from the Formula 1 collection, the ref. CAZ2010.BA0876 might be of interest. The case of this 44-mm timepiece is also made of stainless steel. The watch is powered by the TAG Heuer Calibre 16, which is based on the famous Valjoux 7750. Plan to shell out about 2,800 USD for this variant.

A three-hand version such as the 41-mm ref. WAZ1110.BA0875 will set you back about 1,680 USD. If a GMT function is important to you, you should take a look at ref. WAZ211A.BA0875. This model is equipped with the automatic Calibre 7, which is based on either the ETA 2892 or the Sellita SW300. You can purchase this watch for roughly 2,350 USD new.

The Link Collection: Sporty and Elegant

The Link collection is home to timepieces that are both sporty and elegant. Typical of the range are the satin-finished stainless steel bracelets with double S-shaped links, which give these watches a distinctive look.

Ref. WBC1311.BA0600, for example, is a stainless steel ladies' model measuring 32 mm in diameter. This quartz watch features a blue dial and changes hands for roughly 1,740 USD.

If you'd prefer a black dial and diamond indices, look for ref. WBC131G.BA0649. You can buy this 32-mm watch on Chrono24 for around 4,540 USD in unworn condition.

The 41-mm men's version with the reference number WBC2110.BA0603 has a black dial. The watch is powered by the famous Heuer Calibre 5 based on the ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200. The price: approximately 2,800 USD.

The history of TAG Heuer began in 1860 when 20-year-old Edouard Heuer founded his then-small business in the Swiss town of Saint-Imier. Four years later, Heuer had garnered enough success that he was able to move his company to an impressive building in Biel/Bienne. In 1882, Heuer patented his first stopwatch, and production began that same year. He developed the so-called oscillating pinion, a revolution in chronograph production, five years later. This mechanism consists of a movable stem and two pinions, one of which is constantly engaged with the second wheel.

In 1902, Charles and Jules Heuer took over the family business. Under their leadership, the company focused on making specialty clocks, such as the 1911 on-board Time of Trip . The 11-cm (4-inch) instrument was ideal for mounting on automobile and aircraft dashboards. A large central hand indicated the time, while a small pair of hands at 12 o'clock timed periods of up to 12 hours.

Another milestone came in 1916, when Heuer unveiled the Mikrograph, a hundredth-of-a-second stopwatch in pocket watch format. The delicate second hand of this watch took only three seconds to complete one revolution. Inside, the balance beat at an incredible frequency of 360,000 oscillations per hour, equivalent to 50 Hz. Such a "super timer," as Heuer called it, was suitable for tracking the short flight times of projectiles in artillery, for example.

In the early 1930s, Heuer introduced the successor to the Time of Trip, the Autavia, a dashboard clock for cars and airplanes. It had a center seconds hand and two subdials for the 60-minute and 12-hour counters. The stopwatch was often paired with its counterpart, the Hervue, on a solid base plate. The Hervue had a power reserve of eight days and a movement from Revue Thommen. In 1962, exactly 30 years after the premiere of the Autavia, Heuer introduced a wristwatch chronograph of the same name.

TAG Heuer Milestones

• 1860: Edouard Heuer founds the business
• 1882: Introduction of the first Heuer stopwatch
• 1887: Heuer invents the oscillating pinion
• 1911: Patent awarded for "Time of Trip" dashboard chronograph
• 1916: Stopwatch Mikrograph beat at 360,000 vph
• 1962: Release of the Autavia wristwatch

In January 1964, the family-owned company Ed. Heuer & Co. SA was merged with Leonidas Watch Factory Ltd., and the Heuer family continued to run the company. During the quartz crisis, the production of mechanical watches was almost completely discontinued and quartz watches like the Chronosplit were added to the company's portfolio.

In 1982, Jack Heuer had to sell his shares in the company and the new owner, watch manufacturer Piaget, took charge from 1982 to 1985. In 1985, Techniques d'Avant Garde (TAG) entered the scene and took the reins. In 1988, the company was renamed TAG Heuer SA, and in 1996, they went public. French luxury conglomerate LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE) has owned the company since 1999. Zenith and Hublot also belong to LVMH.

TAG Heuer has always had a close relationship with motorsport. From the development of its first stopwatch in 1882 to travel watches and ultra-modern chronographs, the Swiss company is a chronograph specialist.

This wasn't lost on Steve McQueen, who wore a square Heuer Monaco in the 1971 film "Le Mans." After making its debut on the silver screen, this watch with a dark blue dial quickly became a cult icon. In late 2020, McQueen's actual watch from the movie went up for auction at Phillips and sold for over 2.3 million USD, making it the most expensive TAG Heuer to date. This made it the most expensive TAG Heuer of all time.

However, McQueen isn't the only celebrity to wear a TAG Heuer watch. Racing legends like Aryton Senna and Bruce McLaren relied on the precise timekeeping of their Carreras, while Mario Andretti is a fan of the Autavia. Even former President Barack Obama wore a TAG Heuer during his time as a senator, a model from the 1500 series with features similar to those in the current Aquaracer collection.

What does the name TAG Heuer mean?

TAG stands for "Techniques d'Avant Garde," which means "advanced techniques" in French. The company Techniques d'Avant Garde acquired a majority stake in Heuer in 1985.

Heuer refers to the founder of the original company, Edouard Heuer, who founded the company in Switzerland in 1860.

What kind of watches does TAG Heuer make?

TAG Heuer manufactures of a wide variety of watches, many of which have a connection with motor sports. These include the Autavia, Carrera, Monaco, and Formula 1 collections. With the Aquaracer line, TAG Heuer offers diving watches that are available in a variety of different versions. With the Connected, TAG Heuer became the first luxury watch manufacturer to produce a smartwatch.

What are the most famous TAG Heuer models?

TAG Heuer's most famous watches include the Carrera, Monaco, Autavia, and Aquaracer.