50 Years Of Carrera: The Calibre 8 Grand Date GMT

In 1963, Jack Heuer released the Carrera, a watch named after the Carrera Panamerica: one of the toughest and most demanding road races at that time. Jack Heuer wanted to create a timepiece where readability was paramount and shock and water resistance were not sacrificed. However, no one could have predicted the wild success of the Carrera and 50 years later, the collection is still going strong.

New from Baselworld this year comes another installment to the Carrera range – the Calibre 8 GMT. It would be first prudent to mention that this watch shares many similarities with the Grand Carrera Calibre 8 GMT. The only major difference between the two is the GMT dial on the Grand Carrera uses a rotating disc, while this year’s model uses a standard subdial which in many ways is more practical and aesthetically pleasing than the rotating disc.

The case on the Calibre 8 GMT measures in at a 41mm which is around the standard diameter for Carreras. However, as this is not a chronograph the thickness on this model is nowhere near that of the Carrera’s chronograph counterparts. The case is sculpted from stainless steel which has been both polished and brushed. Securing the Calibre 8 GMT to the wrist is a black alligator leather strap outfitted with a folding clasp.

Apart from the GMT subdial at the 6 o’ clock position is the presence of a large double date window at 12. This complication is bordered in white making it stand out sharply against the black background of the dial. The hands and indexes marking the hours are silver toned and luminous making for excellent readability at night.

The movement is the ETA 2892-A2 which has been chronometer certified by the COSC and is visible through the exhibition case back. Almost as a staple, every watch produced by TAG Heuer is equipped with highly scratch resistant sapphire crystal that has been glare proofed on both sides. This model is made to resist water pressure of up to 100 meters (10 atms) and retails for CHF3500-4000 (Swiss Francs).