Last year was the year of the Glassbox for TAG Heuer, and in 2024 they’ve picked up nearly where they left off in what many will agree is their key LVMH Watch Week release. The twist with the latest Carrera in the Glassbox form factor (with that gorgeous domed crystal) is that this one comes in the cult classic “Dato” format, with an uncommon date window at the 9:00 position and a sole 30 minute counter at 3:00. It’s immediately recognizable, particularly in the bold teal colorway TAG has chosen for this release.
The latest Carrera cements the Glassbox style by extending into yet another segment of the long history of TAG’s most elegant racing chronograph. Just in the last year, we’ve seen Glassbox designs in the unusual 12:00 date Carrera, a reissue of the popular Skipper, and a completely new Porsche collaboration with one of the most unusual chrono movements we’ve seen. Now we get a Dato version, giving another old favorite a new look. Note that in addition to the dramatic color, the dial also features an unusual circular brushed finish that we imagine will give this Dato a dynamism in the light that isn’t easily captured in photos.
The teal Dato comes in a case measuring 39mm in diameter and 13.86mm tall. That might seem to be on the tall side, but the Glassbox design, with its prominent crystal and the outer flange on the dial, makes everything feel just a little more compact. The design of the crystal, and the way the flange fills it, also helps legibility when the dial is viewed from an angle.
Something else that’s worth noting about this Dato is that it’s part of the permanent TAG Heuer collection, and not a limited edition. This follows the release strategy of another sought after Carrera, the aforementioned Skipper, which was first reissued as a limited edition with Hodinkee that sold out quickly when it launched all the way back in 2017, and then saw a permanent collection release in Glassbox form just last year. Similarly, the Dato was the subject of another Hodinkee limited edition in 2021. Those too sold out fast, but a few years later TAG has released a version for everyone. While I imagine some owners of the limited editions are rolling their eyes this week, I think it’s great that TAG has made it possible for any collector to choose to add a Dato to their watch box at their leisure. More options, in general, are a good thing, and this bright teal dial stands on its own anyway.
Powering the watch is the TH20-07 caliber with an 80 hour power reserve, visible through the exhibition caseback. The watch has 100 meters of water resistance and the Carrera Glassboxes cases are very nicely finished with brushed case walls and polished lugs. The retail price is set at $6,550, which feels like a compelling value all things considered. TAG Heuer
