This is a good size, especially for purists looking for a smaller diameter case that wears like a vintage watch. The case is true to the original, which at 39 mm, is slightly larger (36 mm on the vintage piece), but regardless of the size change the shape stayed virtually the same, including the straight lugs. This is, of course, great, as it pays homage to the brand’s roots, from when they were just 'Heuer.' Uniquely, there is a printed vintage 'Heuer' logo on the dial, something used by TAG Heuer in recent years, but not very often.

The date is displayed through an aperture at 6, whereas the inspiration piece omitted it altogether. It is not a fatal flaw, but in my opinion, aesthetically, it would have been better not to push the markers in so far. Notably, the telemeter scale takes up enough space on the dial that the designers had to move the hour markers inward towards the center quite a bit.

The 30-minute chronograph counter also has a darkened hand and white tip, which works in conjunction with the central chronograph seconds hand, also in a darkened finish. Minutes are designated by a printed scale on the flange. Polished and faceted hour and minute hands with luminescent markers indicate the time, along with a running seconds counter at 3 o'clock, which has a darkened hand with a white tip. Historically, this function was very useful in the military for measuring the distance of artillery fire. For example, when you see a flash of lightning, if you start the chrono, and then when you hear the crack of the thunder, you stop it, the chronograph seconds hand, in combination with the scale, will let you calculate the approximate distance in kilometers from the storm. The telemeter scale allows the wearer to measure the distance of something that can be seen and heard. Although, the modern version has a convex surface, unlike the flat dial of its predecessor.Ī printed a telemeter scale on the outer chapter ring was included instead of a tachymeter. The original dial was white with black counters, and the look is reminiscent. On the left is a 30-minute chronograph counter, and on the right is a continuous small seconds display – both decorated with an anthracite azurage finish. The Carrera Calibre 18 has a silver sunburst dial with a dual register layout.

Tag heuer carrera calibre 16 lug width