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Yago
·Ah yes 😉
2023 TAG Heuer Carrera 60th Anniversary (Panda - CBK221H)
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Yago
·Let’s not go there again
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JonnyFW
·Just thought I’d post again with a few thoughts on the Panda 60th anniversary. I didn’t wear it for the first couple of weeks, other than trying it on a few times around the house – just wanted to keep it pristine.
I do believe in wearing my watches (and taking the risk of some wear and tear) – they’re designed to be worn, and they’re not bringing me or anyone else any pleasure by sitting in the safe in mint condition. But there’s still that instinct to try and keep them perfect and avoid that first scratch. Took a couple of weeks for it to wear off, and for me to take my Panda out into the world.
So, I’ve worn the Panda most days for the last couple of weeks, and really been enjoying it.
There’s something great about looking down and seeing that iconic, classic look – like it’s jumped out of a vintage photo, or a coffee-table book on vintage Heuers, and is sitting on my wrist instead. Can’t quite get over it.
I love how the dial changes with the light. From almost white in sunlight, to light silver-grey with very deep-looking radial brushing when I’m indoors or under shade. I’ve taken a couple of photos on a walk round my uni campus, showing the difference.
This second one has an almost pale champagne tone, and the radial finish is much more noticeable.
I was a bit worried about the thickness of the case (and when I got very close to buying the Ice King, a few years back the chunkiness was one of the things that put me off). But on the wrist it seems fine. On reflection after wearing it a bit, it feels nicely proportioned, and in-keeping with the sporty vibe. Admittedly I’ve only worn it with casual clothing so far, and haven’t tried it with a smart shirt or with a suit, so I might have to experiment with that and see how it goes.
The strap has also taken some getting used to. I love the classic, perforated racing look, but it has very different proportions from anything else I’ve worn. It’s narrow, but quite heavily padded in cross-section. That seems to result in it being a little on the stiff side, and it’s still taking a little while to break in. I’ve been considering swapping it for a flatter strap, but will probably give it another few weeks first and see if it breaks in more (or I just start to acclimatise to it).
I’ve also been thinking of getting the Uncle BOR bracelet, as I really do love the look. (Am I right in thinking that the 19mm one designed for the Omega Speedmaster FOIS should fit fine, even though Uncle haven’t yet done a version specific to the glassbox Carrera?) But again, will probably give the stock leather strap another few weeks before pulling the trigger on anything new.
A few people have commented on the rotor being very loud, but I’ve only noticed it when I’ve actually been listening out for it, and in a quiet environment. Usually, given any ambient noise at all, it’s completely unnoticeable. I have had the experience of the rotor spinning for ages in a completely gravity-defying way, when I’m taking it off or putting it on. I think it’s quite cool actually. Only seems to happen if I hold it at just the right angle.
I've used the chronograph a few times now, mostly for timing stuff in the kitchen. Works well for boiling eggs! Not taking it to time any motor-racing yet, but will try and do that once the season starts properly. The start/stop button has a nice satisfying snap to it. This is my first mechanical chronograph (I have another TAG Heuer chronograph but it’s quartz; everything else in my collection is time/date-only plus one moonphase). I enjoy the way the central seconds hand looks like it’s locked in sync with the small seconds hand, and how they both rotate around the dial in parallel to each other.
Anyway. Those are just a few of my observations after the first couple of weeks of wearing it regularly. Still not got that elusive first ding yet, but I’m less scared of it now, and definitely not going to leave it sitting in the safe just to avoid that!
I do believe in wearing my watches (and taking the risk of some wear and tear) – they’re designed to be worn, and they’re not bringing me or anyone else any pleasure by sitting in the safe in mint condition. But there’s still that instinct to try and keep them perfect and avoid that first scratch. Took a couple of weeks for it to wear off, and for me to take my Panda out into the world.
So, I’ve worn the Panda most days for the last couple of weeks, and really been enjoying it.
There’s something great about looking down and seeing that iconic, classic look – like it’s jumped out of a vintage photo, or a coffee-table book on vintage Heuers, and is sitting on my wrist instead. Can’t quite get over it.
I love how the dial changes with the light. From almost white in sunlight, to light silver-grey with very deep-looking radial brushing when I’m indoors or under shade. I’ve taken a couple of photos on a walk round my uni campus, showing the difference.
This second one has an almost pale champagne tone, and the radial finish is much more noticeable.
I was a bit worried about the thickness of the case (and when I got very close to buying the Ice King, a few years back the chunkiness was one of the things that put me off). But on the wrist it seems fine. On reflection after wearing it a bit, it feels nicely proportioned, and in-keeping with the sporty vibe. Admittedly I’ve only worn it with casual clothing so far, and haven’t tried it with a smart shirt or with a suit, so I might have to experiment with that and see how it goes.
The strap has also taken some getting used to. I love the classic, perforated racing look, but it has very different proportions from anything else I’ve worn. It’s narrow, but quite heavily padded in cross-section. That seems to result in it being a little on the stiff side, and it’s still taking a little while to break in. I’ve been considering swapping it for a flatter strap, but will probably give it another few weeks first and see if it breaks in more (or I just start to acclimatise to it).
I’ve also been thinking of getting the Uncle BOR bracelet, as I really do love the look. (Am I right in thinking that the 19mm one designed for the Omega Speedmaster FOIS should fit fine, even though Uncle haven’t yet done a version specific to the glassbox Carrera?) But again, will probably give the stock leather strap another few weeks before pulling the trigger on anything new.
A few people have commented on the rotor being very loud, but I’ve only noticed it when I’ve actually been listening out for it, and in a quiet environment. Usually, given any ambient noise at all, it’s completely unnoticeable. I have had the experience of the rotor spinning for ages in a completely gravity-defying way, when I’m taking it off or putting it on. I think it’s quite cool actually. Only seems to happen if I hold it at just the right angle.
I've used the chronograph a few times now, mostly for timing stuff in the kitchen. Works well for boiling eggs! Not taking it to time any motor-racing yet, but will try and do that once the season starts properly. The start/stop button has a nice satisfying snap to it. This is my first mechanical chronograph (I have another TAG Heuer chronograph but it’s quartz; everything else in my collection is time/date-only plus one moonphase). I enjoy the way the central seconds hand looks like it’s locked in sync with the small seconds hand, and how they both rotate around the dial in parallel to each other.
Anyway. Those are just a few of my observations after the first couple of weeks of wearing it regularly. Still not got that elusive first ding yet, but I’m less scared of it now, and definitely not going to leave it sitting in the safe just to avoid that!
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imagwai
·Nice write-up, and glad you are now wearing and enjoying the watch. If you want a modern Tag Heuer with a vintage Carrera vibe, then it doesn't get much better than this.
The Tag straps do take a while to mould themselves to your wrist but will do so eventually. I would hold on regarding the bracelet - I believe Uncle are likely going to be developing one specifically for the glassbox Carreras.
The Tag straps do take a while to mould themselves to your wrist but will do so eventually. I would hold on regarding the bracelet - I believe Uncle are likely going to be developing one specifically for the glassbox Carreras.
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Anthony.
·Just thought I’d post again with a few thoughts on the Panda 60th anniversary. I didn’t wear it for the first couple of weeks, other than trying it on a few times around the house – just wanted to keep it pristine.
I do believe in wearing my watches (and taking the risk of some wear and tear) – they’re designed to be worn, and they’re not bringing me or anyone else any pleasure by sitting in the safe in mint condition. But there’s still that instinct to try and keep them perfect and avoid that first scratch. Took a couple of weeks for it to wear off, and for me to take my Panda out into the world.
So, I’ve worn the Panda most days for the last couple of weeks, and really been enjoying it.
There’s something great about looking down and seeing that iconic, classic look – like it’s jumped out of a vintage photo, or a coffee-table book on vintage Heuers, and is sitting on my wrist instead. Can’t quite get over it.
I love how the dial changes with the light. From almost white in sunlight, to light silver-grey with very deep-looking radial brushing when I’m indoors or under shade. I’ve taken a couple of photos on a walk round my uni campus, showing the difference.
This second one has an almost pale champagne tone, and the radial finish is much more noticeable.
I was a bit worried about the thickness of the case (and when I got very close to buying the Ice King, a few years back the chunkiness was one of the things that put me off). But on the wrist it seems fine. On reflection after wearing it a bit, it feels nicely proportioned, and in-keeping with the sporty vibe. Admittedly I’ve only worn it with casual clothing so far, and haven’t tried it with a smart shirt or with a suit, so I might have to experiment with that and see how it goes.
The strap has also taken some getting used to. I love the classic, perforated racing look, but it has very different proportions from anything else I’ve worn. It’s narrow, but quite heavily padded in cross-section. That seems to result in it being a little on the stiff side, and it’s still taking a little while to break in. I’ve been considering swapping it for a flatter strap, but will probably give it another few weeks first and see if it breaks in more (or I just start to acclimatise to it).
I’ve also been thinking of getting the Uncle BOR bracelet, as I really do love the look. (Am I right in thinking that the 19mm one designed for the Omega Speedmaster FOIS should fit fine, even though Uncle haven’t yet done a version specific to the glassbox Carrera?) But again, will probably give the stock leather strap another few weeks before pulling the trigger on anything new.
A few people have commented on the rotor being very loud, but I’ve only noticed it when I’ve actually been listening out for it, and in a quiet environment. Usually, given any ambient noise at all, it’s completely unnoticeable. I have had the experience of the rotor spinning for ages in a completely gravity-defying way, when I’m taking it off or putting it on. I think it’s quite cool actually. Only seems to happen if I hold it at just the right angle.
I've used the chronograph a few times now, mostly for timing stuff in the kitchen. Works well for boiling eggs! Not taking it to time any motor-racing yet, but will try and do that once the season starts properly. The start/stop button has a nice satisfying snap to it. This is my first mechanical chronograph (I have another TAG Heuer chronograph but it’s quartz; everything else in my collection is time/date-only plus one moonphase). I enjoy the way the central seconds hand looks like it’s locked in sync with the small seconds hand, and how they both rotate around the dial in parallel to each other.
Anyway. Those are just a few of my observations after the first couple of weeks of wearing it regularly. Still not got that elusive first ding yet, but I’m less scared of it now, and definitely not going to leave it sitting in the safe just to avoid that!
Glad you're wearing it more now.
It has to be shown off because it's too beautiful to be hidden away.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Look forward to seeing lots more pics.
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Mspeedster
·I’ve also been thinking of getting the Uncle BOR bracelet, as I really do love the look. (Am I right in thinking that the 19mm one designed for the Omega Speedmaster FOIS should fit fine, even though Uncle haven’t yet done a version specific to the glassbox Carrera?) But again, will probably give the stock leather strap another few weeks before pulling the trigger on anything new.
A word of caution on the Uncle bracelets for the 19mm Omega FOIS, the endlinks do require some modification to fit properly on the Carrera. If you're scared about scratching your watch, I wouldn't recommend it, ill fitting endlinks will cause scratches. Uncle is working on something better specifically for our Carreras, it may take a while, but hopefully will be worth the wait.
Anyway, nice write up and happy to hear you're enjoying your watch. 👍
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Yago
·Just saw this photo from Monochrome. Must be a prototype with the ‘one of 600’ engraving. Glad they dropped that idea eventually. Still would be cool to own this one. The actual one of 600 (or 601)
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Mspeedster
·Just saw this photo from Monochrome. Must be a prototype with the ‘one of 600’ engraving. Glad they dropped that idea eventually. Still would be cool to own this one. The actual one of 600 (or 601)
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Yago
·Interesting, so at least 2 prototypes
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Anthony.
·There's also this XXX/600 (or 602?) proto. So glad they decided to individually number them, much better than "One of 600".
I pretty sure the one they were showing at LVMH watch week was this XXX. Recall seeing it in Wei Koh video and also SJX. Wouldn't be surprised there are at least 3 or 4 Proto out there for media and review units.
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tcy148
·
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Mspeedster
·Just picked up my 60th Panda here in Hong Kong. Mine is number 302. Compliments the Dato perfectly.
Welcome to the forum and the 60th Anniversary Carrera club! 👍👍
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Mspeedster
·The updated owners' list:
1. @Anthony.R (Australia) #238
2. @abrod520 (USA) #267
3. @imagwai (UK) #334
4. @thingziliketoo (USA) #394
5. @Jemagloh (USA) #257
6. @Mspeedster (USA) #338
7. @CARAVIA (USA) #339 [Sold]
8. @Hubert (USA) #265 & #475 [This one for his wrist, the other to keep pristine.]
9. @kappa_md (Philippines) #237 [In safe keeping, waiting to be collected]
10. @JW2019 (USA) #473
11. @JonnyFW (UK) #368
12. @aklanke (Germany) #033
13. @SRG89 (UK) #328
14. @Speedy Collector (USA) #126
15. @F1Weltmeister (Australia) #250
16. @Ges (Australia) #271
17. @winger7 (Bahrain) #523
18. @brianS70 (UK) #205
19. @plibou (France) #054
20. @abcoro (Belgium) #585
21. @tcy148 (Hong Kong) #302
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HoltzPlatz
·Just picked up my 60th Panda here in Hong Kong. Mine is number 302. Compliments the Dato perfectly.
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Ara
·I just spent the better part of today, March 3 2023, reading through this entire thread. You guys are great!
Here's what I gather.
This 60th panda really got everyone excited and brought new forum members into the mix.
@Jeff Stein is on C11, cool!
@abrod520 always seems to know the future.
@Hubert is omnipotent.
Atelier Romaine straps look amazing on the 60th panda.
@Yago is still my main guy.
According to the video posted of FA and Wei Koh, the glassbox era has ended but something new is coming at Watches and Wonders. For those with a crystal ball, will this generate enthusiasm for both vintage enthusiasts AND TH fans? Or does it lean in one direction more than the other?
Here's what I gather.
This 60th panda really got everyone excited and brought new forum members into the mix.
@Jeff Stein is on C11, cool!
@abrod520 always seems to know the future.
@Hubert is omnipotent.
Atelier Romaine straps look amazing on the 60th panda.
@Yago is still my main guy.
According to the video posted of FA and Wei Koh, the glassbox era has ended but something new is coming at Watches and Wonders. For those with a crystal ball, will this generate enthusiasm for both vintage enthusiasts AND TH fans? Or does it lean in one direction more than the other?
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Hubert
··TAG Heuer Forums ModeratorAccording to the video posted of FA and Wei Koh, the glassbox era has ended but something new is coming at Watches and Wonders. For those with a crystal ball, will this generate enthusiasm for both vintage enthusiasts AND TH fans? Or does it lean in one direction more than the other?
@Ara regarding your question.
The upcoming 39mm case retains most of the positive qualities of the 39mm glassbox-case it replaces, but gets minor design updates inspired by the 42mm Elegant Carrera case. What is not yet clear is how domed the crystal will be; meaning, it's not clear if it will still be a glassbox, or just a domed crystal. We should find out later this month.
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