Having recently given the Monaco a rattrapante makeover, TAG Heuer has unveiled the Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph, the first-ever split-seconds chronograph in the history of the storied Carrera line-up. The watch combines the brand’s contemporary ‘glassbox’ case design with the Vaucher-derived TH81-01 movement, the only split-seconds calibre in production capable of tenth-of-a-second resolution.

Built of grade 5 titanium inside and out, the Carrera Split-Seconds is positioned as both a technical showcase and a halo product for the brand.

Initial thoughts

It’s more than a little surprising that the Carrera, one of the most storied names in sports chronographs, has never been made in a split-seconds variant until now. In the vintage era, many of Heuer’s peers introduced split-seconds chronographs with movements sourced from Valjoux, which also supplied the ebauches for the Carrera, which suggests the technology was well within reach.

That said, the Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph is arguably worth the wait, marrying the contemporary glassbox case design with the one of the only split-seconds chronograph calibres capable of tenth-of-a-second resolution. It’s a coherent product in more ways than one, carrying on the brand’s history of commercialising third-party calibres in design-forward, performance-oriented watches.

In terms of design, the Carrera Split-Seconds feels more refined than the Monaco Split-Seconds, avoiding the superfluous “rattrapante” and “chronograph” text that clutters the Monaco’s dial.

The topic of value is worth exploring, given the lofty retail price of CHF110,000. Without question, that’s a big ask from a brand best known for watches that cost less than a tenth that amount, but it’s less expensive than any other watch with the same movement, including TAG Heuer’s own Monaco, Richard Mille’s RM 65-01, and Parmigiani’s Tonda PF Split-Seconds Chronograph, though the latter features a solid gold manually wound version of the calibre.

In other words, while it’s rarified air for TAG Heuer, the six-figure price is not out of line given the tangible technical content of the watch.

Box box

TAG Heuer introduced the ‘glassbox’ design for the Carrera in 2023 and has been running with it ever since. With a bowl-shaped dial ringed by a raised flange that follows the inner camber of the crystal, the three-dimensional design distinguishes the Carrera visually from rivals like the Omega Speedmaster and Zenith Chronomaster.

Importantly, the design is different enough to avoid unfavourable comparisons with the category-leading Rolex Daytona, a trap that has plagued the aforementioned Chronomaster.

The split-seconds variant takes things even further with a multi-layered sapphire crystal dial that looks suitably premium, in a 42 mm grade 5 titanium case. The contemporary design makes the 15.17 mm thickness easier to stomach, since it makes no attempt to recreate the compact elegance of a vintage watch.

Decimal timer

On a technical level, the Carrera Split-Seconds has more in common with the Richard Mille RM 65-01 than it does with the rest of the TAG Heuer line-up, excepting the Monaco that shares the same movement. The TH81-01 is derived from the Vaucher VMF6710, a high-end integrated chronograph movement that ticks at 5 Hz, providing resolution down to 1/10th of a second. This aspect of the movement makes it ideal for a brand with as much racing heritage as TAG Heuer, since races are timed to the decimal.

The standard VMF6710 is used by a variety of brands, but the split-seconds variant, which in this case adds a discreet third pusher at nine o’clock, is more unusual. Like the RMAC4 that powers the equivalent Richard Mille, the Carrera’s TH81-01 features titanium plates and bridges to decrease weight and increase intrigue.

On paper, the TH81-01 ticks just about every box that a contemporary chronograph can, featuring twin column wheels, a vertical clutch, a free-sprung balance with a fully adjustable balance bridge, and a 65-hour power reserve. While the now-discontinued Zenith El Primero cal. 4026 also offered split-seconds functionality with a 5 Hz rate, the TH81-01 is a much more premium construction overall.

In an unusual move for an industrial brand like TAG Heuer, the movement is hand finished. The chequered flag motif, for example is applied manually square-by-square. Another nice touch is the victory wreath emblem engraved around one of the jewels; this is a new element that emphasises the brand’s racing pedigree.

The finishing reflects the small-batch nature of the watch, which will likely have a niche audience in its own right, and might be seen primarily as a halo product intended to create buzz around the brand’s more mainstream offerings.

Key facts and price

TAG Heuer Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph
Ref. CDD2180.FT8120

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 15.2 mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Material: Titanium
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: TH81-01
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and split-seconds chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 65 hours

Strap: Embossed rubber strap with titanium folding clasp

Limited edition: No
Availability: June 2026
Price: CHF110,000 excluding taxes

For more, visit tagheuer.com.