TAG Heuer continues to raise its profile in the horological community with its new Carrera “Tête de Vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer, a limited edition wristwatch that bears a stamp of chronometric excellence endorsed by the Besançon Observatory (the only independent public organization in Switzerland that inspects chronometers, operating on behalf of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures).
Since it was first applied, in 1897, the Tête de Vipère stamp has signified unrivaled precision in a timepiece—watches awarded the stamp, which certifies the watch as a whole and not just the movement, have been subjected to 16 days of testing, in five different positions at three different temperatures. Abandoned in the 1970s, the mark was reinstated in 2006. Since then, it’s only been granted to 500 watches.
Available in a limited edition of 155 pieces, in honor of the 55th anniversary of the iconic Carrera model, the complicated chronometer combines chronograph functionality with a tourbillon in a midnight blue ceramic case, accented by a ceramic bezel and lugs. TAG Heuer continues the “something blue” theme on the weight and movement barrel, as well as the blue stitching on the black alligator strap, sewn onto rubber.
The “Tête de Vipère” stamp appears on the bridge of the movement, visible through the sapphire crystal of the case back.
$20,400; tagheuer.com