TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber Heuer 02 GMT 45 mm Review

The TAG Heuer Carrera model is produced by the leading Super Clone manufacturer workshops with a high-tech ceramic case, 45 mm diameter and high-precision automatic Super Clone movement architecture. It is among the most successful 1:1 super clone watch reviews on the market, with its sapphire crystal AR coating glass, original case tolerances and detailed workmanship.

First Heuer 01 was introduced, then Heuer 02T came and now 02 GMT Twin Time is here. Let us introduce you to a new era of evolution in TAG Heuer's craft. Caliber Heuer 02, based on the late 1960s CH80, is used in many watches, such as the recently re-released Autavia. However, today we are looking at a different series: Carrera Caliber Heuer 02 GMT 45 mm. Let's get started, what do you say?

TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber Heuer 02 GMT 45 mm Review

TAG Heuer has always been known for its chronographs. Therefore, do not be surprised that the next large calibers will also have chronograph movements. Heuer 01 and Heuer 02 all have a stopwatch function. Some derivative calibers, such as the Heuer 02T Tourbillon Chronograph, offer higher-level complications at an incredibly affordable price, depending on the type of complications they contain and the prestigious COSC certified chronometer title.

But today we will discuss a more practical complication added to caliber 02. This is of course the GMT function, which gives the watch a second time zone. This automatically places the Carrera Heuer 02 GMT in a different price class than the 02T tourbillon; because GMT is a more practical and less exotic complication than the tourbillon. A perfect complication for those who fly frequently and travel constantly.

In general, the Heuer 02 watches have a skeletonized appearance very similar to the Heuer 01s that preceded them, and with the possible exception of the Autavia Heuer 02 and the Heuer 02 Hiroshi Fujiwara limited edition model, all of the TAG 02 movement watches had skeletonized dials.

When was Heuer 02 introduced? In fact, TAG Heuer first announced its intention to revisit the CH80 in 2014, but turned its attention to the caliber 1887-based Heuer 01 for a long time before returning to the Heuer 02. They first released some tourbillon models using 02T; This as a marketing strategy attracted the attention of watch enthusiasts around the world. This was a smart tactical move, because they soon announced the TAG Heuer 02 GMT Twin Time watches, which appealed to a wider audience.

TAG Heuer, which has now attracted everyone's attention, has come up with a more practical watch, this time at a much more affordable price point. Doing this in this exact order increased the prestige of caliber 02 tremendously; Perhaps not coincidentally, just before the more affordable models hit the market, this made the Carrera 02 GMT 45mm Twin Time even more desirable and eye-catching.

Over the last decade, the winds in the watch industry have gradually changed direction; Many watch manufacturers that rely heavily on The Swatch Group to supply ETA movements or ébauche movements have been deprived of purchasing calibers if it was a brand under the umbrella of the conglomerate, thus being forced to become more independent, or at least more resourceful.

However, thanks to TAG Heuer's deep history in watchmaking, this has become less of a challenge and, in fact, a great opportunity. Things gradually started to improve; It all started with the Heuer 01 based on the 1887 caliber. Now, while the Heuer 02 is making all kinds of noise, watchmakers and horology enthusiasts have begun to look at TAG Heuer with the respect it truly deserves over the years. Let's take a closer look at the caliber and see why it's something special. Say what?

Browse the Collection

Looking at the mechanism is half the fun, getting to know it is the other half. As with all 02 movement chronograph watches, the column wheel provides a very smooth movement and saves the starting and stopping of the hour and minute hands from that bouncing movement you will find in most CAM-driven chronograph movements. This metallic red column wheel is also visible through the transparent case back.

The mechanical movement itself is sporty and beautiful. Elegantly crafted with Cote de Genève stripes and a skeletonized black rotor with fine brushed finish and red etched lettering. The caliber is a 4Hz movement that beats at 28,800 VPH. It contains 39 jewels and has an impressive power reserve of approximately 80 hours.

There are currently two models available: one with a brushed and polished steel bracelet, model no cbg2a1z.ba0658; The other is the version with a rubber strap with a folding buckle, model number cbg2a1z.ft6157.

The dial layout is gorgeous; There is a small continuous seconds subdial with a blue frame, centered exactly at the 6 position. The entire design is extremely symmetrical. Silver-framed chronograph subdials are located on either side of the dial at positions 3 and 9. Lume-filled, brushed and polished applique stick hour markers are placed at each hour position, with double markers at 12 o'clock. White, finely printed seconds and split-second track are printed along the flange of the dial.

Even the writings are positioned to keep everything in perfect balance; The words “Carrera Heuer 02” are located between positions 2 and 4 on the right side, and “Automatic Chronograph” is located between positions 7 and 10 on the left.

The bright red central GMT hand has an arrowhead design and is filled with lume material. The GMT hand rotates only once every 24 hours, and the lume bar shows white 24-hour numerals printed between the hour markers.

The date window is located between the 4th and 5th positions and uses a stencil-style font for the numbers with a skeletonized black finish that runs over a white background to make the date stand out.

One of the most notable features of this watch is its dual-tone, scratch-resistant ceramic bezel; The lower half of the bezel has an almost cobalt blue tone, while the upper half is black. 24-hour indicators are engraved around the bezel.

This color combination is what made one of the most popular Rolex watches so famous; GMT BLNR, also known as Batman Rolex GMT. However, the TAG Heuer 02 GMT 45 mm is nothing like it. It has a unique and distinctive appearance. They have no need to cling to the success of an already successful watch from a more popular brand. The Carrera Caliber Heuer 02 GMT is perfect just the way it is.

Browse the Collection