TAG Heuer Carrera reissues are nonetheless scorching, with a generous different of reimagined chronographs obtainable. And TAG Heuer is getting it correct. With the discharge of the 39mm panda-dial restricted model for the LVMH Watch Week in January, I felt a tickling sensation of want, nonetheless it nonetheless felt a bit enormous. Don’t get me incorrect; the sharp-lugged 39mm case we have seen throughout the Silver 100 and sixtieth, Monte Carlo, and inexperienced and cherry colors is an efficient design. Nevertheless the dressy smallness of their ’60s forefathers is far more tempting.
The issue is, many patrons like me are postpone by the basic complexities of the actions and absence of elements. After spending close to €1,000 on servicing a Chopard chronograph last yr, I purchased spooked, nonetheless there is a sweet, secret totally different available on the market. The CS3110 and CS3140 references are the late-’90s reissues that obtained right here out methodology sooner than the now enormous improvement of small-cased trendy. Which suggests they fall into the deep-space void of nouveau basic, caught between the precise issue and a model new watch. I’ll freely admit to spoiling my possibilities by telling you this secret, nonetheless take note of me magnanimous.

Image: Reddit
The TAG Heuer Carrera CS3100 assortment
The standard Heuer Carreras from 1964 (refs. 2447D and 2447N) are icons, and TAG Heuer has made good 39mm variations of the OG, notably the model new panda in January. Nevertheless as a lover of small-cased watches, I’d prefer to get nearer to what a racing driver throughout the mid-’60s would actually really feel on his wrist. We’ve written about these ’90s reissues sooner than, like in Jorg’s story proper right here, and having one is a recurring want for me. The 36mm case is totally in tune with its 60-year-old granddad, and it has the legendary Lemania 1873 movement. Positive, it is hand-wound, making it every a slim and period-perfect watch. On the exact strap, it is merely the ultimate phrase chameleon, straddling casual and dressy matches relying in your mood and the occasion. The entire proportions are correct, as they should be for a studied recreation, along with utilized indices and lumed sword arms.

Image: Chrono24
Goldilocks trendy with an iconic movement
Sure, even the 1873 caliber may have you ever paying a great worth for a service. Nonetheless, it’s a safer and fewer frail wager than the distinctive at a far lower worth. There’s an enormous worth distinction, with the coveted black-dial CS3111 starting at spherical €3,200 on Chrono24 in cool, darkish monochrome. Going for the crisp, silvery-white CS3110 may have you ever saving far more; six or seven will be discovered on Chrono24 now for spherical €2,150–3,100. The extraordinary dial makes it placed on greater, whereas the contact of blue throughout the decimal scale is a pleasing contact. I do love the 39mm 100 and sixtieth-anniversary mannequin from a number of years previously, which begins at spherical €5K pre-owned. It’s sharp, with among the many best silver dials TAG Heuer has made, nonetheless the fashionable actually really feel of the distinctive 36mm measurement has hundreds to produce.

Image: Chrono24
The golden totally different
The late-’90s lume plots will not be ultra-bright anymore, nonetheless the whole thing else borders on perfection for traditional lovers. Whenever you stretch your worth vary, you’ll uncover the best secure 18K gold classic-sized chronographs obtainable on the pre-owned market. With the similar silver-white dial as a result of the CS3110, the CS3140 has a rich attraction that takes it from basic cool to a grail-like standing. Take into consideration this on a cushty cocoa-colored leather-based strap, and likewise you’ll see what I suggest. Nonetheless boasting good price, these start at spherical €5,000 on Chrono24, and every this and the two others pop up normally on public sale web sites like Catawiki. On the CS3140, you’ll uncover the similar period-perfect arms, utilized indices, and blue decimal scale, nonetheless with a beneficial twist. The purity of the 100 and sixtieth Anniversary could also be stylish and the automated movement supreme, nonetheless 18K gold for a lot much less money? The 36mm different must be a simple one, brother.
Are these merely the best-priced vintage-inspired Carrera chronos obtainable? What do you assume, Fratelli? Inform us throughout the suggestions beneath.
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