Appealingly sporty and relatively affordable – the basic version sells for just over US$5000 or S$7000 – the Carrera Heuer-01 is TAG Heuer‘s bestselling chronograph. Previously only available in steel, titanium or gold, the Heuer-01 is now available entirely in black ceramic.

The case middle, bezel and lugs are in smooth, sandblasted black ceramic, with the option of a matching ceramic bracelet. And as is typical for ceramic watches, the case back is black-coated steel, because ceramic doesn’t withstand torsional forces well so screws into a ceramic back are a bad idea.

Visually the ceramic Heuer-01 is nearly identical to the earlier versions, with a skeleton dial – also made of black ceramic – that exposes the mechanics of the movement, most notably the date mechanism and chronograph gears.

The self-winding Heuer-01 movement is visible under the sapphire back, with a red lacquered column wheel taking pride of place.

Price and availability

The Carrera Heuer-01 is available in two guises. The first is with a black ceramic bracelet (ref. CAR2A91.BH0742) priced at US$6300 or S$8650. And on a rubber strap (ref. CAR2A91.FT6071) it will cost US$6200 or S$8500.

Both will be available sometime in the first quarter of 2017 from TAG Heuer boutiques and retailers.