TAG Heuer Carrera Dato Limited Edition For HODINKEE

Is the sequel always better than the original? Well, it depends. 

Take A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. Clearly the latter is better with complex characters, deeper themes and expanding storylines - (spoiler alert!) -  we find out Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father! 

In the horological universe, a similar conversation could be had about the TAG Heuer x HODINKEE Skipper LE and its followup, the TAG Heuer X Hodinkee Carrera ‘Dato’ LE. Upon its release in 2017, we even went so far as to name the Skipper as one of the coolest chronographs of the 21st century — and still stand by that. 

The subsequent Carrera ‘Dato’ LE is in no way inferior and in many ways makes for a more polished second act. An outstanding homage to the original Heuer 3147N 'Dato 45' of the 1960s, its sobered palette makes for an arguably more sophisticated design, and would perhaps be something Mr. Vader himself would wear while attempting galactic conquest!

Like the Skipper, the Dato was produced using a 39mm stainless steel case with a boxy sapphire crystal and barrel chronograph pushers, a signed crown and an exhibition caseback that displays a its Calibre 02 self-winding movement. Its luminous black 'reverse panda' dial houses applied polished indices, a single white subsidiary register with 30 minute totalizer at 3 o’clock, a framed date window at 9 o’clock and a luminous handset. Like the Skipper before it, the Dato uses the Heuer (sans-TAG) branding to round out the proper 'homage' treatment package.

Individually numbered and with a production run of only 250 pieces, this limited edition model is offered in near-mint, virtually unworn condition, fitted to its signed black alligator strap with a signed deployant buckle. It also comes with its full factory collateral set including inner and outer boxes, a leather travel case, booklets, serialized sticker set and warranty card dated in June, 2021.

Is the TAG Heuer x HODINKEE sequel better than the original? Why not scoop this one up and make your own decision!

In 1962, Jack Heuer inherited the company that his great-grandfather had founded in Saint-Imier nearly a century before.

He had already played a role in the design of some timepieces, starting with the Solunar in the late 1940s. But in 1962, the responsibility of running the company fell on his shoulders, and he found himself faced with the daunting task of safeguarding his ancestor’s legacy while at the same time forging his own. His chosen path? Moving into a line of technical instruments for use in sporting and transportation applications.

The Heuer name was not unknown in motor racing and aviation circles. Starting in 1911, when the sport of automobile racing was still in its infancy, the company produced dashboard clocks for cars, boats, and even airplanes. Jack Heuer, a longtime racing aficionado, saw an opportunity to revitalize — or at the very least, to reexamine — the company’s already-successful line of chronographs.

He had first tried his hand with the Autavia, which at the time of his succession was a stopwatch with a virtually illegible dial. In its place he launched the line of Autavia wrist chronographs, the first line of chronographs produced by Heuer to be named, rather than simply numbered. The Autavia was purpose-built for racers and pilots, and attracted the attention of Formula 1 racers and devotees such as Jochen Rindt and Steve McQueen.

In designing the Carrera in 1963, Jack Heuer created something that was entirely his, and is without question the chronograph that is most associated with the brand today. Heuer's obsession with legibility led to a dial design that was simpler to read than the Omega Speedmaster or the Rolex Daytona (released the same year as the Carrera). What resulted was a chronograph with plain baton markers that gave only the most necessary bits of information — clean, uncluttered, undeniably attractive.

The brand grew to become a powerhouse in chronographs in particular, and the list of famous designs from the 1960s and 1970s can’t be counted on two hands. However, one innovation from 1969 deserves particular mention: the famed Caliber 11. This caliber (and its successors) was the result of a multinational race to build the world’s first automatic chronograph movement. It would go on to power the famed Monaco — made famous by actor Steve McQueen — as well as automatic versions of the Autavia, Carrera and more.

Falling on hard times in the wake of the Quartz Crisis, Heuer was ultimately purchased by Technique Avant Garde (TAG), and subsequently by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey, who brought the brand into the modern age. Early TAG Heuer quartz divers from the 1980s have found newfound appreciation in collector’s circles, while the brand’s modern catalog is a mix of vintage-inspired reissues and unique collections, such as the Connected smartwatch line.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.