Does the TAG Heuer Carrera really need an introduction" Well, I suppose to be thorough. One of the iconic motorsport chronographs, it was launched in 1963, deftly combining the sleekness and excitement of the sport that inspired it. While over the decades there have been many variations and evolutions to the Carrera, the original 2447 from 1963 has always served as a source for the brand to go back to when reinvigorating the line.

This year is the 60th anniversary of the Carrera, which they already began celebrating back in January with the release of a model that stayed very close to that original reference, though with general modern updates. While that model goes literally back to the Carreras roots, the newly launched Carrera 39mm ?glassbox? mixes modern and vintage details into one of the most attractive packages from TAG in some time.
There are three models to the collection, two 39mm three-register chronos, and a 42mm chrono-tourbillon. Focusing on the former, the fact that these non-revival, non-limited Carreras are at 39mm is the first aspect to celebrate. This size, while not small by today?s standards nor the same as the original (it was 36mm), is small for TAG, whose modern chronographs are generally 41 – 45mm.

I suspect, however, there is a reason for this. As the title ?glassbox? literally states, these Carrera?s have large domed sapphire crystals. Like, really large. While it is said they are inspired by the domed Hesalite crystals of 7...