TAG Heuer showed up at LVMH Watch Week 2026 with a chronograph entourage just to remind us that it is still a royalty in the chronograph space. The watchmaker rolled out three Carrera chronographs that feel very intentionally placed. One for everyday wear, one for the sea, and one that exists purely to remind everyone it can still do serious watchmaking when it wants to.
Let’s start with the most approachable of the trio. The Carrera Chronograph 41 mm continues the Glassbox revival that began a couple of years ago. At 41 mm, it hits a sweet spot that feels modern without drifting into oversized territory—though I cannot say I am a fan of this size. Anyhoo, the domed sapphire crystal still does that neat trick of visually pulling the tachymeter scale into the dial, which keeps everything clean and legible. This is the Carrera you could wear daily without feeling like you are trying to make a point. Inside is the in-house Calibre TH20-01 with an 80-hour power reserve, column wheel, and vertical clutch. No drama, just solid chronograph credentials done properly. I guess you could say it is a homage to the watchmaker’s roots.
Then there is the watch that almost got lost in the conversation, but really should not. The Carrera Seafarer is TAG Heuer revisiting its maritime past, specifically the tide watches that rarely get the spotlight compared to the brand’s racing history. This is not a Carrera pretending to be nautical. The dial layout and scales are inspired by instruments used at sea, and the whole thing feels more tool-like than sporty. In the context of this launch, it matters. TAG Heuer is clearly saying that its timing heritage does not stop at racetracks. Land gets a Carrera. Sea gets one, too.
And then there is the one that exists for no other reason than to flex. I am serious. It is true. The Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph marks the first time a rattrapante complication has appeared in the Carrera line. It comes in a 42 mm grade 5 titanium case and adds a third pusher at 9 o’clock for the split-seconds function. Inside beats the Calibre TH81-01, developed with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, running at 5 Hz with a 65-hour power reserve. The sapphire Glassbox dial does not attempt to hide the movement. This watch wants to be looked at, closely.
Put together, these three Carreras feel less like a collection refresh and more like a statement. One watch you wear every day. One that nods to a forgotten chapter of the brand’s history (I’d say get a boat if you do not have one while you are at it). One that exists simply because TAG Heuer can still do this.
Now, for folks who cannot wait to put down their money for these watches… the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 41 mm is available now for US$7,950, and in a choice of three colors. Meanwhile, the TAG Heuer Carrera Seafarer has a list price of US$8,800, but it appears to be out of stock online. But not hopes are lost because you can check in-store availability. Finally, the holy grail of the trio, the TAG Heuer Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph, is set to drop in June 2026 with an estimated SRP of a grand 110,000 CHF (about US$138,284).
Images: TAG Heuer.
