TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5

5 Reasons to Buy a Carrera Calibre 5

• A sporty dress watch modeled after the famous Heuer Carrera
• A reliable automatic caliber with a day-date display
• Men's and women's models
• Stainless steel or two-tone cases
• Especially exquisite: "Lady" models with diamonds on the bezel

The Three-Hand Carrera: A Versatile Companion

The Carrera collection is one of the most expansive in the TAG Heuer catalog. In addition to its world-famous chronograph, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer also offers a wide variety of three-hand watches in this collection, including the Carrera Calibre 5.

Calibre 5 watches combine the elegance of a dress watch with design elements found in the collection's beloved chronographs. For example, an intricate second scale running around the dial's edge on a 45-degree angle lends these timepieces a sporty note. On the other hand, applied stick indices paired with delicate, luminous hands contribute to each watch's impeccable readability and sense of refinement.

The stainless steel or two-tone case features a narrow bezel and elegantly tapered lugs. A beautiful, shimmering dial rounds out the entire look. If that wasn't enough, both the front and back of the watch are protected by anti-reflective sapphire glass.

The Calibre 5 serves as the beating heart of every timepiece. This movement is based on either the ETA 2824-2 or the structurally identical Sellita SW200. Both base calibers are known for their reliability and are able to accommodate a day-date display.

How much does the Carrera Calibre 5 cost?

Stainless Steel or Two-Tone Watches with a 39 or 41-mm Case

The Carrera Calibre 5 comes in a number of designs. The flagship model is the 41-mm Calibre 5 Day-Date ref. WAR201. As the name suggests, watches in this series have a day-date display at 3 o'clock. Each case is made of stainless steel and houses a black, white, or blue dial with a fine, sunburst-like finish. In addition to the dial color, you can choose from rhodium or gold-plated hands and indices.

Watches with rhodium-plated hands on an alligator leather strap or stainless steel bracelet demand between 1,900 and 2,100 USD in mint condition. If you'd prefer gold-plated hands, that price climbs to just over 2,100 USD. On average, you'll save around 340 USD by purchasing a pre-owned timepiece.

Those looking for something a bit smaller should take a closer look at the Calibre 5 ref. WAR211 . Apart from its more modest, 39-mm case and date-only display, this model is identical to its bigger sister. Once again, a leather strap or stainless steel bracelet holds this watch securely on the wrist. Plan to spend about 1,900 USD on a new timepiece and 1,500 USD on a pre-owned one.

TAG Heuer also offers a two-tone Calibre 5. It bears the reference number WAR215 and has a rose gold bezel and a gold-plated crown and hands. The dial comes in your choice of black, white, or gold. A never-worn timepiece on a leather strap sells for roughly 2,700 USD. The version on a two-tone bracelet will set you back around 3,300 USD. Well-maintained used watches tend to cost about 680 USD less.

The Women's Carrera Calibre 5: A 36-mm Case and Diamonds

The Carrera Calibre 5 Lady ref. WBK231 is principally a women's watch. It bears a strong resemblance to the ref. WAR201, but its smaller, 36-mm case means it's better suited to smaller wrists. The Lady models also feature white mother-of-pearl dials, unlike their larger counterparts.

Be sure to have about 2,300 USD on hand for the version with a polished stainless steel case. The Carrera Calibre 5 Lady with a diamond-studded bezel is especially exquisite. Depending on its condition, this small treasure changes hands for between 2,700 and 4,500 USD.

Special Editions with a Second Crown and an Internal Bezel

The Carrera Calibre 5 Drive Timer isn't your average Carrera. Introduced in 2014, this timepiece has a 43-mm case, printed Arabic numerals, and sword-shaped hands. However, perhaps the most obvious detail is the additional crown on the left at 10 o'clock. This extra crown operates the internal bezel , which is used to time periods up to 60 minutes. You can purchase the stainless steel ref. WAR2A10 for about 2,500 USD new and 2,300 USD pre-owned. The titanium version has a black PVD coating and is listed under the reference number WAR2A80. It demands anywhere from 2,200 to 3,800 USD.

TAG Heuer revisited the Timer design in 2016 with the Carrera Calibre 5 Ring Master Muhammad Ali . This watch pays tribute to the legendary boxer. Its red and black internal bezel is split into 15 sections, representing the maximum number of rounds in a professional boxing match before the rule changed in 1983. Each section corresponds to four minutes – another boxing reference, as each round has three minutes of fighting followed by a one-minute break. The case back is engraved with Ali's likeness, and his signature is stamped on the dial. Plan to spend between 2,300 and 2,600 USD on this rare collector's item.