Our review of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye. The Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye, CBS2015.EB0381, has a price of €10,050
Following the release of the inaugural Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche in September 2023, TAG Heuer is once again celebrating its collaboration with the iconic German car manufacturer with the launch of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye.
Inspired by the Porsche 911’s first rally success at the Monte Carlo Rally, this model is available in two variations: one in steel and one in 18K 3N solid yellow gold. The steel version is limited to 911 pieces, a nod to the Porsche 911, while the yellow gold version is limited to just 11 pieces.
We recently had the chance to wear and test the steel edition, ref. CBS2015.EB0381, and are now excited to share our impressions and live photos.
The 1965 Monte Carlo Rally marked the competitive debut of Porsche’s newly introduced 911.
Starting with number “147,” the chosen car was a lightly modified road car, not originally intended for competitive racing. It performed beyond expectations, finishing an impressive fifth overall and second in its class.
This car relied on Heuer’s Rally Master timekeeping tools to navigate the demanding course, even serving as a reference point for drivers in low-visibility conditions.
The dial of the new Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye takes inspiration from these historic Heuer dashboard timers.
Its black dial, referencing the 1965 Heuer Master Time / Monte Carlo stopwatches, ensures high contrast for legibility. Beige markings echo the original car’s steering wheel, while the dial’s finish evokes the shimmering effect of its bodywork.
The red lines on the right side of the flange represent speed, referencing the 0 to 100 km/h sprint achieved by the 1965 Porsche 911 "147" in the Monte Carlo Rally, with an acceleration of 8.4 seconds, improving upon the 9.1-second time of the original 1963 Porsche 901.
This unusual behaviour is powered by a special chronograph module, integrated in the in-house TH20-08 Chronosprint movement, featuring two snail-shaped wheels that make the central seconds hand complete the first 15 seconds of every stopped minute at an accelerated pace, before slowing to complete the loop of the minute perfectly, and quickly restarts the process.
The 6 o’clock subdial features a reference to the iconic dashboard of the 1970s Porsche, where the area around 50 km/h was often highlighted to indicate the recommended speed in urban areas.
The red portion of the 9 o’clock subdial serves as a reminder of the critical engine limit, beyond which damage may occur. It’s not by chance that TAG Heuer chose to place the red line at 6.8 hours; it refers to the limit of 6800 revolution per minute.
The azuré subdials, with contrasting silver rings, add visual depth while the beige Super-LumiNova filling the hour and minute hands glows green in low light conditions for improved readability.
The 42 mm × 14.9 mm case is defined by its distinctive double "glassbox" construction on both the front and back, a design first introduced in 2023 with the 39 mm chronographs.
Named "glassbox" for its domed, curved crystal glasses, it pays homage to the similarly domed hesalite crystal designs of the 1970s.
The front crystal extends to the edge of the dial, blending seamlessly into the case and eliminating the need for a traditional bezel. In the same way, the flange and indexes have been curved, too, for a seamless integration in the structure.
This is not merely an aesthetic choice as it enhances readability, allowing the tachymeter scale to be viewed from a wider range of angles. Both sides of the sapphire crystal are treated with an anti-reflective coating.
The caseback crystal provides a wider view of the column-wheel chronograph movement and its rotor, echoing the iconic three-spoke steering wheel of Porsche, further reinforcing the connection between the timepiece and the car’s engineering heritage.
The TH20-08 Chronosprint self-winding movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 80 hours.
The case is equipped with pump pushers to activate the chronograph functions: start/stop at 2 o'clock, reset at 4 o'clock. The crown is not screwed-down but water resistance is nonetheless guaranteed up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet).
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye in stainless steel comes with a classic H-shaped bracelet in satin-brushed and polished stainless steel, secured by a folding clasp with double safety push-buttons. For added versatility, it is also supplied with a black perforated calfskin leather strap with beige stitching.
The gold version, crafted from 18K 3N solid yellow gold, is paired with a black perforated leather strap with beige stitching and includes an additional light brown perforated calfskin strap.
Whether paired with the metal bracelet or the leather strap, the watch comfortably fits most wrists, including the 18 cm (7 inches) wrist in our photos.
The lacquered wood packaging is finished in ruby red, matching the original Porsche 911 "147". Inside, the watch rests on a perforated cushion, referencing the leather straps. The steel version has silver accents, while the gold edition boasts gold detailing. Each box includes a miniature model of the Porsche 911 “147” that competed in the Monte Carlo Rally.
With the Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye, TAG Heuer creates an intriguing blend of automotive heritage and horological innovation. Its distinctive chronograph functionality, paired with striking design elements that pay homage to Porsche’s racing legacy, makes it a standout piece in TAG Heuer’s collection.
The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye, ref. CBS2015.EB0381, has a suggested retail price of CHF 10,000 / €10,050 / US$10,250 while the gold edition, ref. CBS2041.EB0382, is priced at CHF 24,000 / €24,200 / US$24,600. tagheuer.com
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