TAG Heuer Watches and The Watch Hut Celebrate 50 Years of the Carrera
LONDON, April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
This year sees many important anniversaries in the watch industry. But for many watch fans one of the most important is the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Carrera model from TAG Heuer Watches. As part of the celebrations the company is staging a number of global events throughout 2013 in support of their retailers such as The Watch Hut.
The world of watches has come a long way since the iconic timepiece first debuted in 1963, with a number of technological advances in both the internal mechanics and materials in use. The design was created as a celebration of the brutal 5-day long Carrera Pan-Americana Road Race in Mexico by keen amateur racer and watch expert Jack Heuer.
The watch has outlived the race itself by some margin. The race was run annually for just five years between 1950-1954. At the final chequered flag the races had claimed a total of 27 lives, earning itself a reputation as the most dangerous race in the world in the process. It's more long-lived namesake watch may now be 50 years old, but with a series of design tweaks through the years, the watch has continued to be one of the best sellers amongst the luxury marques.
Jack Heuer has credited the success of the Carrera, which remains one of the top sellers at the specialist UK watch retailer The Watch Hut, to the inspiration he drew from popular 60s architects such as Oscar Niemeyer and Eero Saarinen. The design also drew from the uncluttered aesthetics of Pop-Art. The designers took these ideas and melded them with classic motorsport styles, such as the black & white of vintage dashboard counters, to create an iconic look.
The landmark anniversary has been celebrated by TAG Heuer Watches, with a series of special pieces reaching retailers. Furthermore, the company has hosted a number of profile building events including a London based awards ceremony in partnership with MotorSport Magazine. The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony was sponsored this year by the Swiss brand.
The event, held at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, honoured five racing greats including Niki Lauda, Damon Hill OBE, Graham Hill OBE, Colin Chapman and Tom Kristensen.
Jack Heuer, the creator of the TAG Heuer Watches Carerra model will retire from the company founded by his great grandfather following the current round of promotional events. His last day at the company will be on 18th November, one day before his 81st birthday.
Share this article