That domed crystal changes everything
By Sam Okafor, London ยท
The current Carrera has a tall, domed crystal that curves down over the edge of the dial where the bezel would normally sit, and that one change makes the whole watch look better. The blue dial seems to sit under a lens, the minute track bends slightly as it meets the edge, and the case appears slimmer than its 11.4 mm because the eye reads the dome as light rather than metal.
The dial layout is clean: applied indices, a date, slim hands, and a nicely judged blue. My complaint is the bracelet, which is fine but anonymous, and the TAG Heuer text, which is a little big for a dress-leaning dial.
39 mm across, 20 mm lugs, 100 m, sapphire, open back. 3,450 to 3,750 dollars puts it against the Tudor 1926 and the Omega De Ville, and I'd take the Carrera over either because the crystal gives it something neither of them has. If you want a refined everyday watch with a hint of motor racing, this is a strong choice. If you're a TAG sceptic, I doubt this will convert you.