Introducing: A New France-Exclusive TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Limited Edition With A Vintage-Inspired Look

What We Know

I know that geographically restricted, limited-edition watches can often be frustrating when you fall in love with a watch that's destined to be a long-distance affair. But sometimes it's better to know what could be rather than live in ignorance. That's how I feel about the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph, which is only available in France and limited to 500 pieces.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph French Limited Edition

The vintage inspiration here is quite obvious. This Carrera is rendered in a more modern 42mm wide (meaning an estimated 15.7mm thickness) stainless steel case. But the blue quarters of the subdials – a nod to regatta countdowns – and triangles in the white outer flange are obvious references to the beloved Heuer Seafarers for Abercrombie and Fitch. Trust us, we'd know: we've done the same before (though a bit more complicated). This time, the color leans into the opaline blue main dial, with light blue and yellow accents on the chronograph subdial.

The watch is powered by the TH20-00, an evolved version of the Heuer 02 with a bi-directional rotating weight and a column-wheel chronograph with a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock, running seconds and date at 6 o'clock, and a 12-hour counter at 9 o'clock. The watch features rhodium-plated and applied hour markers, a date window, and the TAG Heuer logo.

If you want one of these watches and can make your way to France, keep in mind the release is limited to 500 numbered pieces. The retail price (appropriately only given in one currency) is €7,350.

What We Think

I'm obviously biased when I say I liked the added tide complication on the recent Hodinkee limited-edition Seafarer, but the aesthetics of the new French limited edition are a fun summer option. One of the most significant limiting factors (aside from needing to fly to France to get one), however, is the 42mm size in a watch that lacks such a complication. The slightly simpler (but robust) TH20-00 that launched with the updated "Glassbox" 39mm Carrera Chronograph works so well in that size, and I don't necessarily see the reason to upsize here. But for people who could wear the 42mm size (like me) and want a touch of color, this is an attractive launch that might be worth going out of your way to get your hands on.

The Basics

Brand: TAG Heuer
Model: Carrera Chronograph "France" Limited Edition
Reference Number: CBN201N.FC6620

Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: Approximately 15.7mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Opaline blue dial, white flange with 60 seconds/minute scale, turquoise blue and silver minute chronograph, lacquered yellow hand, permanent rhodium-plated seconds indicator, "azuré" silver hour chronograph, lacquered yellow hand
Indexes: Rhodium-plated applied, polished, and faceted indexes
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Perforated blue calf leather strap with contrasting light blue stitching, brushed and polished steel folding clasp with double-security push button

The Movement

Caliber: Calibre TH20-00
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4Hz
Jewels: 33
Chronometer Certified: No
Additional Details: Column wheel chronograph movement