SpotlightDracarys! Presenting The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year Of The Dragon Editions
As the lunar new year approaches, TAG Heuer release two versions of the Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon timepiece in steel and rose gold, dedicated to the dragon, one of the most powerful Chinese zodiac signs
May We Recommend
In recent years, the lunar new year has become a big deal in the world of horology, with more brands offering timepieces commemorating a Chinese Zodiac with special editions. The lunar new year, which begins on February 10, 2024, will mark the end of the rabbit’s race and the start of the dragon’s. The latest TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon timepieces celebrate a rare, powerful and coveted zodiac in Chinese lore. The two editions—one in rose gold and another in stainless steel—feature two red chronograph counters against rose gold or silver, with a commemorative caseback as a special nod to the powerful, mythical beast.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph: House Of The Dragon
The brand previously released two Carrera timepieces commemorating the Chinese zodiac. The 2022 Year of the Tiger timepiece featured a time and day-date Carrera in a steel case with rose gold accents on the crown and dial, which was decorated with a tiger-stripe engraving in blue, and the animal in blue, ready to pounce, on the sapphire crystal caseback. The Carrera Chronograph Year of the Rabbit timepiece released in 2023 offered accents in rose gold and red on the dial against a steel case. Its tricompax dial featured a rabbit fur motif while the transparent caseback was decorated with a red rabbit.
Considered auspicious according to Chinese lore, red makes a huge splash on the dial and bracelet of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon timepiece. Both steel and rose gold versions are paired with a red alligator leather strap with a folding clasp in steel, or a rose gold pin buckle. Two snailed sub-dials—the 30-minute chronograph counter at three and the running seconds at nine—are the red relief on the otherwise sober dial in a sunray-brushed rose gold or silver finish. Red highlights on the baton hour markers and a matching central chronograph hand add just that little extra bit of colour. In keeping with Carrera’s latest tricompax-masquerading-as-a-bicompax layout, the almost-invisible 12-hour counter at six o’clock is in the colour of the dial, with a Chinese dragon symbol printed on it.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph And The Last Dragon
The dragon makes a striking appearance on the sapphire crystal caseback, which offers a view of the Heuer 02 movement housed within the 42mm rose gold or steel case. The case itself features polished and brushed finishes. The slim bezel gives the watch a contemporary aesthetic, with a slightly domed and bevelled sapphire crystal glass over the dial. The timepiece offers a water resistance up to 100m.
The steel version is offered in a limited run of 300 pieces while the 18-karat 5N rose gold version is limited to 50 pieces only. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Dragon timepiece, with its subtle references to the majestic beast, is by far the best of the brand’s tributes to the Chinese zodiac.
