TAG Heuer celebrates 50 years of a legendary car with the Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7

Carrera. In Spanish, it translates to ‘race’ — but around the world, it means so much more. It’s shorthand not just for speed and elegant design, but for an entire golden age — a pre-electronic era when machines were mechanical, and danger was one sharp corner away.

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 debut of the Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 at the Paris Motor Show in 1972
The debut of the Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 at the Paris Motor Show in 1972

Almost two decades later, the Carrera name found a fitting home at Porsche, in the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, widely recognized as one of the most iconic car designs of all time. Sometimes it takes a while for a future classic to be appreciated, but that wasn’t the case here. The car debuted at the Paris Motor Show on October 5,1972. By the end of November, every single example of the initial production run of 500 vehicles had sold.

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’.

911 Carrera RS 2.7
911 Carrera RS 2.7

These spoilers — designed by engineers Hermann Burst and Tilman Brodbeck, along with stylist Rolf Weiner — added even more speed and greater stability, making the powerful, light-bodied sports car even greater. You could argue that the legacy of this innovation was as much about style as it was racing substance — because this was an incredibly stylish car. Over the years, only 1,580 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7’s were produced, in 27 colors, including Guards Red (Indischrot) and Glasur Blue (Glasurblau). These colors stood out even more thanks to the now-iconic Carrera lettering emblazoned between the wheel arches of the car.

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.

TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7

At the base level, the 42mm watch is powered by the impressive Heuer 02, the watchmaker’s own engine, with this version featuring a steering-wheel-inspired rotor. While the broad strokes might be familiar, the details are what draw you in. The left-hand flank of the case is, like the cars, emblazoned with Carrera text between the lugs, and that same iconic Porsche typeface has pride of place next to TAG Heuer’s shield on the dial. This watch, which comes with a bracelet, also features a crisp white nylon strap woven with the Carrera name along the length and featuring the Porsche signature on the keepers.

TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7

In addition to the steel model, there’s a 250-piece limited edition in rose gold that shares the same design elements, but in Guards Red. As befits a precious-metal watch, this version comes with a red alligator strap.

TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 in rose gold
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 in rose gold
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 in rose gold

These two watches are made so much more meaningful through the fact that TAG Heuer has so much shared history and values with Porsche.

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

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