Arguably TAG Heuer’s most interesting affordable chronograph, the Carrera Chronosprint features a unique variable-speed chronograph seconds that accelerates for the first 15 seconds of every elapsed minute, before slowing to complete the remainder of the 60 seconds.

Now TAG Heuer has introduced a new pair of variants in partnership with Porsche: the Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye that’s available in either steel or yellow gold. The new model sports a black dial modelled on the dash of the 1965 Porsche 911 that bears the traditional “Carrera” emblem at 12 o’clock.

Initial thoughts

The Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye demonstrates TAG Heuer’s strength in affordable chronographs. In technical terms, it’s the brand’s best chronograph in this price segment. The case is little large for my preference, but that’s typical of the current Carrera due to the thickness of the TH20 in-house movement.

Although I am typically indifferent to brand partnerships — they are more often than not simply for marketing buzz — this particular collaboration makes sense given TAG Heuer’s historical presence in motorsports, which it has just returned to starting with the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Retailing at US$10,250 in steel and US$24,600 in yellow gold, the Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye is pricier than the base-model Carrera “Glassbox” by a margin of about 50%.

While that might seem a lot, the uncharge US$3,000 or so is worth it given the TH20-08 “Chronosprint” calibre. While the accelerating seconds hand is relatively straightforward in mechanical terms, it adds another dimension to a conventional chronograph that is a perfect fit for the auto-racing theme of the Carrera.

Inspired by the 911

The new Chronosprint maintains the specs of the original model that was unveiled in 2023. Modelled on the vintage Carrera case of the 1960s, the 42 mm case has been scaled up to accommodate the in-house movement and features alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces.

As is typical of the Carrera “Glassbox”, the case does away with the bezel. Instead, the domed crystal sits on the case middle, while the raised dial flange echoes the dome of the crystal and serves as an inner bezel.

The dial design draws inspiration from the Heuer dashboard timer found in the Porsche 911 of 1965. The beige lume mirrors the hue of the steering wheel, while the dial speckled finish is meant to evoke the metallic paintwork of the body.

The flange around the dial features a red scale extending to the 8.4 second mark, the time it took the Porsche 911 “147” to accelerate to 100 km/h in the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. This is also reflected in the “Chronosprint” function, where the chronograph seconds speeds up for the first 15 seconds, effectively covering the distance of the red scale.

Powering the watch is the automatic in-house TH20-08 that beats at 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz) and offers 80 hours of power reserve.

It incorporates the “Chronosprint” module that drives the central seconds hand at an accelerated pace for the first 15 seconds of each elapsed minute before slowing so that each complete revolution of the central seconds hand covers one minute. In addition, the movement features a steering wheel-inspired rotor.

Key facts and price

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye
Ref. CBS2015.EB0381 (stainless steel)
Ref. CBS2041.EB0382 (18k 3N yellow gold)

Case diameter: 42 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Steel or 18k 3N yellow gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. TH20-08
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Steel model has a matching steel bracelet with additional black leather strap; gold model is delivered with a pair of leather straps in black and brown

Availability: Now at TAG Heuer retailers and boutiques
Price: US$10,250 in steel; US$24,600 in yellow gold

For more, visit tagheuer.com.