Watch Review: TAG Heuer 1964 Carrera Re-Edition Vintage In Its Own Right

With the vintage market growing at an exponential rate, the TAG Heuer Carrera Re-edition has found a niche as an alternative to its more costly predecessor, the Heuer reference 2447. A faithful reproduction of the original Carrera chronograph which debuted in 1964, the CS3111 attracts collectors who would otherwise hesitate to spend five figures on a vintage timepiece.

Powered by the Lemania 1873, known for its role as the base for Omega’s 861/1861 Speedmaster Moonwatch movement, the TAG Heuer Carrera Re-edition maintains the feel of the original release in both dimension and function. The hand-wind movement permits the watch to keep its perfectly proportioned slim profile, and the period-sensitive acrylic crystal amounts to the icing on top of an already spectacular vintage flavored cake.

Like their vintage counterparts, these watches feature tritium lume which is now showing a warm patina on most examples. They have garnered a following in their own right, and the secondary market reflects as much.

Given TAG Heuer’s reticence to release a second round of equally accurate reproductions, this piece continues to present a solid buy in terms of vintage aesthetic and long term value. Now, on the heels of the poorly proportioned 2017 Autavia, the 1964 Carrera re-edition looks that much more desirable.