royster
Tyme Machine
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2014
- Messages
- 3,025
This, to me, is the pinnacle of Tag Heuer watches. I've loved this watch forever. The price, not so much. Well, after much searching, haggling, selling of lesser watches, and much time, I was able to acquire one.
The Grand Carrera line is just that, "Grand". It takes the Carrera line and elevates it to another level. The Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS CAV5115 is the top of the top. It definitely lives up to the task. It is 43mm (perfect size), with 22mm lug width, a mere 14mm thick and 49mm lug to lug; really the perfect fit for me. It comes with either stainless steel bracelet, leather strap, or steel capped rubber depending on if you want to dress it up or go sporty. Personally, the sporty steel capped rubber is my favorite. What also makes this an impressive timepiece is the movement within. The Caliber 36 is based on the Zenith "El Primero" movement. It is a 31 jewel marvel that runs at 36,600 bph. Tag has modified it so the chronograph also maintains the high beat rate (not true on the base El Primero) so you can actually measure to 1/10th of a second accurately (the rotating "caliper" system seen around the dial). It is a wonderfully accurate movement with some unique characteristics as well. Position 3 of the crown is actually the quickset date and position 2 is for time-setting (reversed from "normal" configuration). Interestingly, it does not hack. The Caliber 36 is also COSC certified as a chronometer. The start and stop of the chronograph is amazingly easy and smooth, not like the 7750 based or other ETA chronographs where they tend to be hard to activate (much resistance). It is also a visually beautifully intricate movement and you can see it very clearly through the exhibition case back. You can really feel and see the difference in the quality and function of this watch. The rubber strap is very supple, comfortable and buttery soft. It has the typical Tag fold under, no-cut form factor clasp that is very secure, comfortable and no need to cut a rubber strap.
I feel extremely lucky to own this watch; it is a grail watch to me and I've waited a long time to own one. Tag Heuer is not for everyone and kind of a "guilty pleasure" for me. There are a couple models of Tag Heuer that really speak to me and they are the Aquaracer 500m, Carrera, Grand Carrera, and Monaco lines. Here are some picture of the new acquisition:
Suitable luxury packaging:
Some stills:
In the hand:
On the wrist:
Lume: You don't buy this watch for it's lume, though the hands glow nicely all night!
Thanks for looking!
The Grand Carrera line is just that, "Grand". It takes the Carrera line and elevates it to another level. The Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS CAV5115 is the top of the top. It definitely lives up to the task. It is 43mm (perfect size), with 22mm lug width, a mere 14mm thick and 49mm lug to lug; really the perfect fit for me. It comes with either stainless steel bracelet, leather strap, or steel capped rubber depending on if you want to dress it up or go sporty. Personally, the sporty steel capped rubber is my favorite. What also makes this an impressive timepiece is the movement within. The Caliber 36 is based on the Zenith "El Primero" movement. It is a 31 jewel marvel that runs at 36,600 bph. Tag has modified it so the chronograph also maintains the high beat rate (not true on the base El Primero) so you can actually measure to 1/10th of a second accurately (the rotating "caliper" system seen around the dial). It is a wonderfully accurate movement with some unique characteristics as well. Position 3 of the crown is actually the quickset date and position 2 is for time-setting (reversed from "normal" configuration). Interestingly, it does not hack. The Caliber 36 is also COSC certified as a chronometer. The start and stop of the chronograph is amazingly easy and smooth, not like the 7750 based or other ETA chronographs where they tend to be hard to activate (much resistance). It is also a visually beautifully intricate movement and you can see it very clearly through the exhibition case back. You can really feel and see the difference in the quality and function of this watch. The rubber strap is very supple, comfortable and buttery soft. It has the typical Tag fold under, no-cut form factor clasp that is very secure, comfortable and no need to cut a rubber strap.
I feel extremely lucky to own this watch; it is a grail watch to me and I've waited a long time to own one. Tag Heuer is not for everyone and kind of a "guilty pleasure" for me. There are a couple models of Tag Heuer that really speak to me and they are the Aquaracer 500m, Carrera, Grand Carrera, and Monaco lines. Here are some picture of the new acquisition:
Suitable luxury packaging:
Some stills:
In the hand:
On the wrist:
Lume: You don't buy this watch for it's lume, though the hands glow nicely all night!
Thanks for looking!