It is unusual for a dial with such limited functions, to ensnare my heart. Gracing the date aperture is a highly polished frame, enhancing the visual appeal of the dial and drawing the eyes towards the prevailing date.Ī lithe central sweep seconds hand, resembling an elongated isosceles triangle, completes the array of functions conferred. Quite simply, the dial ensemble delivers peerless legibility.Ī date display is positioned at 3 o’clock, with white text delivered on a black date disc. The hour and minutes hands repeat this faceted and polished characteristic and feature luminescent treatment. The hand-applied, polished and fine-brushed faceted indexes denote the hours and provide sublime contrast with the black canvas of the dial. It is this model which provides the focal point of this in-depth watch review.

It has a pre-eminent legibility and warmth, courtesy of the black hued strap. I have not seen all the available options, but confess to liking the black dial version on a leather strap (ref WAR211A.FC6180). Dial variants include black, silver and anthracite. TAG Heuer offer the Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic – Steel 39mm with a choice of steel bracelet or alligator leather strap. However, a model which caught me on my blind-side and seduced my soul with its dapper, but restrained, appearance was the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic. Indeed, the idiom “the devil is in the detail” is very apt when designing a watch with a limited array of functions.Įarlier this year at Baselworld 2014, TAG Heuer revealed some awe-inspiring novelties featuring some incredible avant-garde aesthetics and know-how, including the mind-blowing Monaco V4 with its ingenious belt-driven movement. The designer needs to impart eye-appeal whilst not overburdening the dial with the extraneous. Whilst a watch may seem absent of numerous functions, to create a stylish watch devoid of registers, guilloché or tourbillon cage is actually quite difficult. Simplicity, in terms of watchmaking, is a contradiction in terms. Sometimes a pure, clean, uncluttered appearance, with ease of interpretation, makes an appealing rationale for purchase. However, on some occasions, there is a strong argument for simplicity. I adore complicated watches which feature a chronograph, a minute repeater or tourbillon. This detailed review of the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic includes live images, specification details and pricing. This seemingly simple watch features a plethora of delightful design details which impart a smile-inducing joy.

Angus Davies provides an in-depth review of the recently launched TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic – Steel 39mm.

Tag heuer carrera calibre 5 39mm review