Slideshow: 15 photos to see this watch from every angle

Foreword

With its Monaco, Autavia, Silverstone or Monza models, Heuer has already often combined the worlds of watchmaking and car racing.

As opposed to the Monaco series, a faithful reissue of the original watch, the new Carreras have now become very independent from their elders.

Strong Identity

This Grand Carrera, as all chronographs in this series, plays on the 'speedometer' aesthetics, thanks to a rotating disk that replaces the classic subdial with hand.
Even though this system makes the reading of seconds rather difficult, it gives this model some real identity.
The opening on the disk extends on a beveled circular graining, decorated with Côtes de Genève.

This timer is very prominent on the dial... Probably a little too much if you're into plainness.
But it is partly balanced by the hours' indexes, designed according to the same codes.
They are curved indeed, quite massive, polished, with luminescent material on the edges.

An Elegant Sports Watch

In contrast to this, the circular guilloche work on the dial's rim, as well as its deep blue color on this 300 copies limited edition, bring a somewhat dressed touch to the watch.

The polished hands, filled with SuperLumiNova, are very readable, and very consistent with the rest of the dial.

The finishing alternations, together with the dial's elements' bulk, give style to this timepiece that oscillates between sporting design and classicism.

The overall product is well designed.

However, a little subtlety in the small seconds' aperture, or with the indexes, would have brought more balance to this TAG Heuer's dial.

Beautiful Finishing

The case of this Carrera is also very different from the old models'.
It is now tapered and its lugs hardly stand out when watching its profile.

Its beautiful finishing, alternating brushed and polished effects, is the cherry on the cake of an elegant, successful design.

In the same spirit, the metal bracelet comes as an extension of the case, and the finishing is on the same high-quality level.

The case/bracelet whole makes this Grand Carrera comfortable and pleasant on the wrist – striking the right happy medium between presence and comfort.

About the movement

When turning the watch over, the see-through back of this TAG Heuer shows its unique style: divided in two parts, it almost reminds of a steering wheel, and enables catching a glimpse of the 6RS movement.
It is an ETA 2895-2, chronometer grade, and COSC-certified movement.

The ornamentation – Côtes de Genève, stippling and golden inscription on the rotor – is neatly designed, but does not stand out.

Finally, its personalization is brought out on the rotor with the engraving of the brand's name, and the 'Chronometer' mention.

In short, nothing really exciting from a watchmaking point of view, but it sure is solidly built!

Conclusions

The legacy of a brand such as Heuer is not an easy one to carry, especially when a lot is expected from its descendants.
Even though the Heuer aura hangs upon it, this Grand Carrera RS6 is well designed and has a style of its own.
So, are you nostalgic for Heuer? Or are you more of a fan of the modern TAG Heuers? The choice is all yours!

The +:

• its versatility
• the very successfully designed case
• its comfort

The –:

• the rather difficult legibility of the seconds' rotating disk.
• the seconds' aperture lacking a little subtlety

Additional information:

• tester's wrist size: 17.5 cm