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WATCH REVIEW TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 6RS Limited Edition

Editor's opinion
66 / 100
The watchmaking and automobile worlds cross paths on a regular basis. TAG Heuer now brings them together with the new Grand Carrera series. We've chosen to introduce you to the RS6. Review.
Straight to the Point

TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 6RS Limited Edition

Ref.: WAV511J.BA0900
$2,650.00 US retail price January 13th, 2011
Pros
  • its versatility
  • the very successfully designed case
  • its comfort
Cons
  • the rather difficult legibility of the seconds’ rotating disk.
  • the seconds’ aperture lacking a little subtlety
Technical specifications
Brand TAG Heuer
Reference
WAV511J.BA0900
Case material
Steel
Case diameter (without crown)
40 mm
Case diameter (crown included)
44.41 mm
Movement type
Automatic
Caliber
Calibre 6
Base Caliber
ETA 2895-2
Functions
Date
Hour
Minute
Second
Crystal
Camberred sapphire crystal
Power reserve
43h
Transparent back
Yes
Lug width
20.36 mm
Length from lug to lug
45.40 mm
Case thickness
12 mm
Clasp type
Deployment clasp
Clasp material
Steel
Total weight
145 grams
Retail price USA at January 13th, 2011
2,650.00 $
Editor's opinion 66/100
Comfort (/15) 14
Movement (/20) 9.5
Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) 2
Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) 4
Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) 2
Power reserve (/2) 1
Complications (/5) 0.5
Finishing (/20) 14
Dial finishing (/6) 4
Case finishing (/6) 5
Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) 1
Crystal quality (/4) 2
Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) 2
Functionality (/20) 11
Diurnal legibility (/5) 4
Night legibility (/4) 2
Water resistance (/3) 1
Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) 1
Clasp : quality and safety (/4) 3
Additional items (/10) 5.5
Limited edition (/3) 2
Watch delivered with several straps (/2) 0
Quality of the watch box (/1) 0.5
Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) 2
Goodies included (/1) 0
Understandability of the brochure (/1) 1
Value for money (/15) 12
  • When to wear it ?
  • At a GT driving training course!
  • Foreword

    With its Monaco, Autavia, Silverstone or Monza models, Heuer has already often combined the worlds of watchmaking and car racing.

    As opposed to the Monaco series, a faithful reissue of the original watch, the new Carreras have now become very independent from their elders.

     

    Strong Identity

    This Grand Carrera, as all chronographs in this series, plays on the ‘speedometer’ aesthetics, thanks to a rotating disk that replaces the classic subdial with hand.
    Even though this system makes the reading of seconds rather difficult, it gives this model some real identity.
    The opening on the disk extends on a beveled circular graining, decorated with Côtes de Genève.

    This timer is very prominent on the dial… Probably a little too much if you’re into plainness.
    But it is partly balanced by the hours’ indexes, designed according to the same codes.
    They are curved indeed, quite massive, polished, with luminescent material on the edges.

    An Elegant Sports Watch

    In contrast to this, the circular guilloche work on the dial’s rim, as well as its deep blue color on this 300 copies limited edition, bring a somewhat dressed touch to the watch.

    The polished hands, filled with SuperLumiNova, are very readable, and very consistent with the rest of the dial.

    The finishing alternations, together with the dial’s elements’ bulk, give style to this timepiece that oscillates between sporting design and classicism.

    The overall product is well designed.

    However, a little subtlety in the small seconds’ aperture, or with the indexes, would have brought more balance to this TAG Heuer’s dial.

     

     

     

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    Beautiful Finishing

    The case of this Carrera is also very different from the old models’.
    It is now tapered and its lugs hardly stand out when watching its profile.

    Its beautiful finishing, alternating brushed and polished effects, is the cherry on the cake of an elegant, successful design.

    In the same spirit, the metal bracelet comes as an extension of the case, and the finishing is on the same high-quality level.

    The case/bracelet whole makes this Grand Carrera comfortable and pleasant on the wrist – striking the right happy medium between presence and comfort.

     

    About the movement

    When turning the watch over, the see-through back of this TAG Heuer shows its unique style: divided in two parts, it almost reminds of a steering wheel, and enables catching a glimpse of the 6RS movement.
    It is an ETA 2895-2, chronometer grade, and COSC-certified movement.

    The ornamentation – Côtes de Genève, stippling and golden inscription on the rotor – is neatly designed, but does not stand out.

    Finally, its personalization is brought out on the rotor with the engraving of the brand’s name, and the ‘Chronometer’ mention.

    In short, nothing really exciting from a watchmaking point of view, but it sure is solidly built!

     

    What to remember

    The legacy of a brand such as Heuer is not an easy one to carry, especially when a lot is expected from its descendants.
    Even though the Heuer aura hangs upon it, this Grand Carrera RS6 is well designed and has a style of its own.
    So, are you nostalgic for Heuer? Or are you more of a fan of the modern TAG Heuer watches? The choice is all yours!

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