New Post: Heuer Carrera Calibre 18 Telemeter Review

Calibre11
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I was lucky enough to spend a few hours with this one today, and I know that photos are keenly awaited:

http://www.calibre11.com/hands-on-review-2015-heuer-carrera-calibre-18-telemeter/

P1010176.jpg

Really, really liked this one. It's a beauty
 
Hubert
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As always your reviews are detailed, thorough, and enjoyable David.

As for the watch itself, I am still a fan, but would have rather preferred the same silver/panda color combination inside the same case used in the JH80 and the two limited productions in blue and anthracite that followed. Your side by side comparisons really make me love those previous models even more.

I get the retro feel and I realize the intentions of this particular design. I'm just fearful that moving forward, these vintage themed editions will not share the traits found on the flagship models. The more I think about it, it seems Jack's design for his 80th birthday will likely remain the pinnacle for quite some time.

In the end, I'd love to see something that looks closer to these originals in a ~41mm size. The Calibre 18 design seems too cramped.

Vintage.jpg
Edited:
 
imagwai
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It looks great in these photos. The dial looks more gold than silver, but I also sense that because of the way it reflects the light, it's going to be one of those watches that looks more stunning in person than can be captured in a photo.

The curved edges of the dial and the soft curve of the crystal take the edge off slightly for me. It's a personal thing but I think I just prefer a slightly more defined or angular profile. For the same reason I prefer the shape and lines of my original 36mm Carrera re-issue to the later 39mm reissues. Size-wise, this one at 39mm hits the mark, though.

The date is in a good position, and the subdials are well positioned and I like the colour of the hands. I think I would have preferred a tachymeter scale on the chapter ring as opposed to the telemeter on the dial with inset markers. I also think the exhibition caseback is unnecessary.

Overall it's a beautiful watch, though. I could certainly be tempted but for now I'm not biting. Still think Tag have priced this one just a little on the high side.
 
Hubert
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So besides the impressions you noted on the article David, what would you have preferred differently? And are you planning on getting one?
Last time, with the anthracite Calibre 17 you bought it on the spot. Did you have the same impulse today? Granted, we've been seeing this for weeks in photographs, but still, given the option, would you have bought it?
 
elbeik
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I love it, but I am not sure I am ready to invest 6.4K in it.
 
H
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Great review David, as always. Lovely photos and explanation on how the design cues change the watch

Liking the color and sizing myself, but the price is to high for me

Looking forward to seeing it for real maybe at Goodwood FOS where I fell for the JH80 a could of years back 😀
 
Calibre11
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Thanks for the comments Gents. Let's see on pricing, as feedback from dealers could change this, but don't get your hopes up.

Yes, I would buy this one ahead of the Calibre 17 Carrera that I have, and I say this not just because the Calibre 18 is shiny and new. If you don't look at the dial of the Calibre 17, it feels like any other Carrera or modern watch due to its size- but the Calibre 18 feels and looks different...quite unique.
 
Hubert
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Thanks David, look forward to the release. Despite my previous criticisms, I'm definitely getting one of these. I trust future vintage themed models will continue to evolve, so it's good to have variety.
 
Calibre11
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H hallanthony
Great review David, as always. Lovely photos and explanation on how the design cues change the watch

Liking the color and sizing myself, but the price is to high for me

Looking forward to seeing it for real maybe at Goodwood FOS where I fell for the JH80 a could of years back 😀

Thanks Anthony!
 
drunken monkey
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....yeah....
I'm probably going to end up buying this one.

It's not often I can commit to a watch before having one in my hands but well, this isn't that difficult a decision really.

I wonder if the bracelet from the older 39mm Automatic Carrera watches will fit.
How about that oyster like one that was paired to the outlet models?
 
Hubert
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Seems like the Calibre 18 Telemeter is on the St Tropez boutique.
St Tropez.png
 
Hubert
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Yes; that's the first thing I noticed.

How's the one in front of your office coming along?
 
elbeik
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Hubert Hubert
Yes; that's the first thing I noticed.

How's the one in front of your office coming along?

Not so well; the whole building is a retail chain in the region, Paris Gallery, has been obviously contracted to amateurs.
The finishing is disastrous.

The TH distributor is obviously cutting corners with stickers instead of proper signs.
I have yet to see the inside of it.
 
IMG_2068.JPG
Hubert
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Thanks for the picture; judging from it, I have to concur with your impressions.
 
Hubert
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I called TH yesterday and I was told the Calibre 18 Telemeter and the McLaren 30th Anniversary were delayed to Q3. Any official word?
 
Calibre11
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Hubert Hubert
I called TH yesterday and I was told the Calibre 18 Telemeter and the McLaren 30th Anniversary were delayed to Q3. Any official word?

I'll see what I can find out
 
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