So cool that they got the Heuer 02 movement to fit into a 39mm case.
Didn't seem possible based on how swollen the modern Autavia looks. Looking forward to more information on this. Gives me hope for more heritage aligned designs in 2019 from TH.
If you don't like this one, then you possibly might consider another release that should be coming soon for the US market (not a Carrera).
Other than maybe being ‘trendy’ in certain circles I fail to graps the link to watches that give it any credibility beyond manufactured (false rather than heritage in this sense of the word) value. It’ll be interesting to see how this partnership pans out and how Tag take future collaboration direction. A bit like the Monopoly stuff I suppose maybe something they need to do to expand the appeal of the brand to so called millenials and instagram followers. After all if they don’t buy watches (other than smartwatches) then the brand will die along with the older buyers who care more about links to motor racing and the evolution and heritage of the innards (or a watch).
A few thoughts spring to mind, firstly if this was a TH driven product there would be rejoicing and dancing in the streets at a heritage chrono with an in house movement.
Secondly, motor racing heritage is a way for collectors to legitimise their brand choice. I would bet almost noone has stepped through the available watch brands thinking 'what are my interests, being the first man up everest...nope, going to the moon....nope, planes...nope, motor racing...yup that's the one'.
Finally, for a design guru, this doesn't seem like a big step forward. Take a dial from 2001, add the SS lightning bolts, and company logo, done.
I dare say that Mr. Fujiwara may have had complete freedom in designing a Tag Heuer watch, since he seems to be an absolute Design Genius. And since he might be a vintage lover and is fully aware of the importance and the already perfect design of this Carrera Clasic Icon he was very humble in the design changes, but still put his stamp on it. In my view this work can just as well be seen as an expression of deep respect for the original Design and the Brand in general.
As for the price policy: if you take let's say an ordinary (😉) Heuer 02 Autavia. Put on top the extra premium for limited and numbered edition, 3 strap options included, and the Fragment stamp, and I think you will arrive at the actual price point more or less...
In short: I would like to wear that watch very much 😀
