Introducing TAG Heuer Revives A ‘60s-Era Panda Dial Carrera For The Chronograph’s 60th Anniversary

Similar to TAG Heuer's current design ethos when it comes to revival or throwback watches, the case on this one measures 39mm in diameter (about 3mm larger than its vintage predecessor). In terms of design, it features a panda-style dial – with a silver backdrop and contrasting black subdials. Panda bears are white, not silver, but you get the idea.

That silver dial has a sunray finish which plays nicely against the concentric texture of the stark black subsidiary dials. The central chronograph hand is done in a black lacquer finish. Keeping things from being overly black and silver is the luminescent material on plots above the markers and within the hands. 

Dial text is sparse on this one and – as is tradition for TAG Heuer – the TAG branding is removed in order to keep things true to the original model, even if the size doesn't conform. Another non-conforming feature is the exhibition caseback showing off the Calibre HEUER 02 Automatic featuring 80 hours of power reserve complete with a black rotor. The caseback also contains an engraving denoting the individual number of the watch out of the 600 pieces produced.

The two letters indicate the panda dial iterations of the 2447, and it's notable that it's that model which TAG chose to pay homage to when kicking off the 60th-anniversary festivities. I think the brand did a bang-up job with most of the aesthetic elements that harken back to the old days. This is something TAG has really nailed over the years in its production of legacy reinterpretations.

There's the vintage-style Heuer branding, and even the very cool Heuer buckle on the strap (never underestimate the power of getting the buckle right). Of course, there's no "T" demarcation for tritium as this LE uses Superluminova, and there's a modern-grade movement inside, but all of that is in the interest of building a modern watch that only looks like an old one. We have to progress somewhere, people.

But whatever, I'm a sucker for the past and would have loved to have seen TAG go full hog introducing effectively a 1:1 remake complete with a 36mm (ish) case and a closed caseback. I understand there are limitations in the modern context in terms of the size of the movement and how that might affect the brand's ability to see such a thing through, but a boy can dream.

Speaking of dreaming, this 600-piece LE is available now but it isn't the only watch we expect to see this year. In fact, TAG Heuer says this is merely the beginning of a season of releases planned for the 60th Anniversary. Any predictions on what we might see next?

Brand: TAG Heuer
Model: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 60th Anniversary
Reference Number: CBK221H.FC8317

Diameter: 39mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Silver
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Leather strap

Caliber: Calibre HEUER 02 Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph
Diameter: 31mm
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4Hz
Jewels: 33
Chronometer Certified: No

Price: $7,400
Availability: Immediately
Limited Edition: Yes, 600 pieces