The chronograph subdials are, however, extra-emphasized, leading to a more symmetrical dial layout than a three-register watch with this layout usually offers.Īt its core, however, the Carrera Calibre 16 is just a solid daily wear with a handsome design, powered by the workhorse Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. One of my favorite parts of the dial design is how the subsidiary seconds dial at 9 o’clock is designed to blend in with the dial. Various design elements, such as the stopwatch-style chronograph pushers and the ceramic tachymeter scale bezel, are all part of that heritage. What I think the Carrera has been able to do, perhaps better than any other TAG Heuer racing-style watch, is blend in with contemporary fashion as a truly universal men’s watch that suggests its motorsports past in a subtle and tasteful way. The TAG Heuer Carrera is one of many timepieces inspired by the brand’s enviable history with motorsports. One of the most important design elements that separates this Carrera Chronograph Calibre 16 from those of “yesterday” is the use of index-style hour markers, as opposed to using two-digit Arabic numeral minute markers… as the hour markers. It is a healthy blend of the modern classic Carrera Chronograph and the ultra-modern Carrera watches TAG Heuer released when run by Jean-Claude Biver. In my opinion (and probably that of TAG Heuer), the Carrera Chronograph Calibre 16 will be the volume model for its mix of style, affordability, and timeless looks. What makes them different is that the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 CV201AR.BA0715 has a more “vintage style” dial (with tan-colored luminant on the hands), whereas this CBM2112.BA0651 is decidedly more modern in its style. Both have the same 41mm-wide steel case, the same Calibre 16 automatic chronograph movement, the same ceramic bezel, and the same bracelet. This particular Carrera Calibre 16 is the sister model of the similar TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 CV201AR.BA0715 which costs $50 more (though I am not sure why). The same watch is also available in black tones as the reference CBM2110.BA0651. I take a look at it in its reference CBM2112.BA0651 form with a modern blue dial and matching blue ceramic bezel. Today, I review what is an entry-level Carrera Chronograph that TAG Heuer calls the Carrera Calibre 16. Go shopping for a TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph watch and you’ll find a heaping load of options available to select from - though judging by TAG Heuer’s own website, it is slimming down the selection quite a bit.