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TAG Heuer celebrates 50 years of a legendary car with the Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7
News
TAG Heuer celebrates 50 years of a legendary car with the Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7
The name Carrera is ubiquitous with both TAG Heuer and Porsche, and the origin story for the cars and watches that bear this evocative moniker is shared. A short-lived — and famously lethal — road race called the Carrera Panamericana.
Run between 1950 and 1954, this Mexican road race attracted racers of all stripes, from amateurs to rally racers and NASCAR veterans and, of course, Formula 1 drivers to the grueling open course. While the inaugural race started off well with 132 contestants, it ended on a grim note, with a total of four fatalities. The seeds of the Carrera legend were sown. In 1953, Porsche claimed a first-class victory in the race, and in 1954 they came in third overall with a 550 Spyder.
The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was, according to then Head of Testing for series production cars Peter Falk, “intended as a homologation special. It was to be a very light, fast sports car”. And oh boy, did it live up to expectations. It was quickly recognized as Germany’s fastest production sports car. Not only was it fast, but it was also distinctive, thanks to the front and rear spoilers — a trend-setting innovation that was nicknamed ‘Duck tail’.
Of course, Heuer — as TAG Heuer was known at the time — was quicker off the mark to make use of the Carrera name, introducing it to the world back in 1963, months after Jack Heuer heard about the famous race while at Sebring. For Heuer — like Porsche — the Carrera was all about clean lines and purity of purpose. Since its mid-century debut, the chronograph has become legendary in its own right, the wrist-worn Carrera developing in parallel to the four-wheeled version.
In 2021, those separate paths converged as TAG Heuer and Porsche entered into a partnership, allowing the two giants to explore their shared history more fully.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, and to honor this pioneering vehicle that shares its name with TAG Heuer’s famous chronograph, we’re being treated to two colorful limited editions. Like the road racers that share their name, the watches are offered in two versions — red and blue — that echo the clean color schemes of the cars. First of all, the blue edition is limited to 500 pieces, cased in steel and has a crisp white dial accented with that distinctive hue.
Tech Specs
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7
Reference: CBN2016.EB0275
Movement: Self-winding caliber Heuer 02; 80-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Case: 42mm; stainless steel; water-resistant to 100m
Strap: Two straps — one steel bracelet and one fabric strap
Availability: Limited to 500 pieces
Reference: CBN2045.FC8316
Movement: Self-winding caliber Heuer 02; 80-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Case: 42mm; rose gold; water-resistant to 100m
Strap: Red alligator strap with rose gold pin buckle
Availability: Limited to 250 pieces