Tag Heuer Carrera Re-Edition Chronograph CS3111
The decade from 1985, when the last version of the Carrera was introduced, to 1995 was a period of transformation for TAG Heuer. As the new ownership by Techniques d'Avant Garde took hold, and the market for Swiss watches changed rapidly, TAG Heuer embarked on a new strategy for its collections. Dive watches would dominate the TAG Heuer catalog, with the popular Series 2000 being introduced in 1985, with the Formula 1 collection being introduced in 1986 and the S/el (to be renamed, “Link”) coming in 1987. All three of these collections continue to this day.
With the popularity of its dive watch, Formula 1 and S/el collections, in 1996 TAG Heuer could look back at its classic chronographs from the 1960s for its next collection. And so in September 1996, on the weekend of the Italian Grand Prix, at Monza, TAG Heuer assembled racers from its glory days of the 1960s and other VIPs, to introduce the new Carrera. But of all the VIPs at Monza, there was one who drew particular attention and affection. Fourteen years after selling the 120 year-old family business, Jack Heuer was back at Monza, chatting with his Formula 1 friends, but it was more than a social visit. The man who had first conceived of the Carrera chronograph, at the racetrack in 1962, the man who had introduced the first automatic Carrera in 1969, was introducing a new Carrera.
This would be a Carrera that drew from the very first model of 1963, but more importantly, this would be a Carrera that would be the first of a series of timepieces that would fuel the passion of racing enthusiasts, to this very day.
Movement:
The Carrera re-edition models from 1996 are powered by the manual-wind Lemania 1873 movement. While the Lemania 1873 substitutes cams for the column wheel used in the Valjoux 72 movement of the original Carrera, in an era when many chronographs were growing larger, the relatively small size of the movement (12 ligne, versus 13 for the Valjoux 72) allowed TAG Heuer to maintain the dimensions of the original Carrera case.
Information:
Pre-Owned: Tag Heuer Carrera 1996 Re-Edition Chronograph CS3111
Reference: CS3111
Dated: 1998
Hands: Tritium
Dial: Tritium
Bracelet: Aftermarket Stainless Steel bracelet, and black NOMOS leather strap with Heuer buckle
Case Size: 36mm x 13mm thickness
Lug Width: 18mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel
Movement: Lemania 1873 - Manual
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, chronograph
Box and Papers: Box and papers
Crystal: Acrylic
Bracelet size: 7.25” - Strap will fit 7.5"
Condition: Excellent pre owned condition
Case has light normal wear with nothing notable. Bracelet only has light wear, strap is in worn condition. Dial lume has slight beige patina. Hands have slight beige patina that matches the dial nicely. Crystal has the smallest little flea bite ever at 3.
The Story:
First released to the world the same year as the Porsche 911, the Heuer Carrera was born from the legendary mind of Jack Heuer. Much like the 911, it went on to become an important cornerstone for the brand. Named after the perilous Carrera Panamericana race that was held during the 50s, the Heuer Carrera was first released in 1963 with an aim to be the go-to watch for motorsport professionals as the first reference, 2447, combined uncluttered legibility for the driver of the era.
Over the following decades, the Carrera name peaked and troughed in popularity until the 80s when it disappeared. The Carrera name did however come back during the 1990s and since then has arguably defined the TAG Heuer brand as we know it today. With its iconic angular lugs, timeless execution, and vast versatility, the Carrera name has graced many models over the years. Everything from time only examples, re-issues, tourbillons, precious metal pieces, and even the brand’s smartwatch that shares much of the Carrera DNA.
The impact of the Carrera is undeniable and shows the utmost resolve from one of the most important watch brands to bridge the gap between motorsports and wristwatches.
History of Tag-Heuer Watches
TAG Heuer, founded simply as "Heuer Watchmaking" in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in St-Imier, Switzerland, has a storied history of innovation and precision in watchmaking. Early milestones include the 1882 patent of Heuer's first chronograph and the 1887 patent for the oscillating pinion, a key development in mechanical chronographs. Throughout the early 20th century, TAG Heuer focused on creating precise timekeeping devices for transportation, including the "Time of Trip" dashboard chronograph and the "Mikrograph," the first stopwatch accurate to 1/100 of a second. The introduction of the Autavia and Carrera chronographs in the 1960s, and the Monaco in 1969, solidified the brand's reputation for excellence and innovation, particularly in motorsports.
In 1985, the TAG Group acquired Heuer, forming TAG Heuer and bringing new technological advancements to the company. The 1999 acquisition by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. further enhanced its prestige. Today, TAG Heuer continues to innovate while honoring its rich heritage, with recent introductions like the "Pendulum Concept" and the development of smartwatches that blend traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern technology. The brand maintains strong ties to sports, particularly motorsports, and offers a diverse product line that includes the Carrera, Aquaracer, Formula 1, and Connected series. Under the leadership of CEO Frédéric Arnault and honorary chairman Jack Heuer, TAG Heuer remains a leader in Swiss watchmaking, known for its avant-garde design and precision.
