Written By: Melissa Harrel

Men’s Grand Carrera Grande Date GMT Automatic Watch

Think about the feeling you get behind the wheel.  The sense of authority, of deliberate motion. Recall how your hands orchestrate every maneuver. It’s a good feeling.  Relive the sensation each time you wear the TAG Heuer Men’s Grand Carrera Grand Date GMT Automatic Watch WAV5111.FC6225.

Description
Inspired by GT race care engine design, this striking timepiece projects authority and discipline.  The Grand Carrera collection exemplifies precision timekeeping and sleek design, and this timepiece—with its unique rotating system and modern dashboard design—lives up to the reputation. Black alligator straps hug the 42.5 mm fine-brushed steel case and bezel, whose polished edges accentuate the silvered hour markers.  Custom luminescent hands rest against the smooth black dial that breaks into ripples like the surface of a once glassy pond.  A second time zone gives demonstrates this piece’s practical innovation.  Along with the GMT feature comes a standard date display and water resistant seal.

This timepiece’s automatic movement keeps battery replacement off your “to do” list, while regular wear and arm movement keep this watch telling you the time without winding.  Sapphire crystal in the case’s front and back showcase both the dial’s décor and the Calibre 8 RS movement’s gears. With a frequency of 28,000 vibrations per hour, the second hand dances effortlessly across the hours.

Celebrities like Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tiger Woods are no strangers to the TAG Heuer brand.  Matthew McConaughey in The Lincoln Lawyer wears a Grand Carrera on his wrist for the film’s duration.  Even if you’re unmoved by celebrity endorsements, there’s little reason to set this timepiece aside—unless the price range deters you.  Still, if you want sportier features, the Aquaracer collection features enhanced water resistance and stylish, turning bezels.  The Monaco collection’s chronographs will let you stop time if so desire, but Grand Carrera line itself offers similar variety, but with its distinctive look and luxury materials. Adding the chronograph function within the Grand Carrera line changes the clean look of the dial and increases the price tag anywhere from $500 to $3,000 more, depending on the materials and features you add.  At $5,100, the TAG Heuer Men’s Grand Carrera Grand Date GMT Automatic Watch WAV5111.FC6225 is well suited to stand time’s tests across multiple time zones, and it provides a clean and powerful option for any determined and distinguished gentleman.

Features

• Swiss Made, automatic movement (Calibre 8 RS) with 42 hour power reserve and TAG Heuer rotating system
• Certified C.O.S.C precision chronometer with rapid date correction
• Scratch-proof Sapphire crystal finished with double anti-reflection treatment
• Black dial with custom luminescent hands and hour indexes
• Small GMT dial (second time zone display)
• Fine-brushed and polished stainless steel bezel
• Black alligator band
• “Grande Date” window under 12 o’clock
• Sapphire crystal case back (provides a window into the movement)
• 21 rubies stabilizing movement’s wheel train
• Côtes de Genève flourish and engraved brand on movement
• 42.5 mm case diameter
• Water resistance to 100 meters
• Monochrome TAG Heuer logo at 3 o’clock and on clasp

Pros

• Merges TAG Heuer legacy of innovation, motor racing-inspired design, and Swiss craftsmanship
• Requires no battery to operate
• Regular wear and arm movement powers device and generates nearly two days of reserve power
• Luxury materials enhance appearance, as well as versatility with more formal attire
• Oversized, fluted screw in crown allows for easy setting/turning and improved water resistance
• Safety push button on band
• Comes with two-year international warranty, and a one-year warranty on service repairs

Cons

• Care required to keep band from getting wet
• If not regularly worn, watch’s power reserve drains and watch requires manual winding (30-40 rotations)
• Minor condensation can form beneath crystal after sudden temperature changes
• Water resistant seal diminished over time, requiring annual inspection to maintain full water resistance

Decision Time
If determination, refinement, control, and discipline are words that define you, TAG Heuer designed a watch to match in the Men’s Grand Carrera Grand Date GMT Automatic Watch WAV5111.FC6225.  At $5,100, the investment is significant, but full of rewards.  Online retailers will also reward your choice of this timepiece by dropping prices as low as $2,630.

You’re out of reasons to delay.  See how this timepiece feels in your hands.

Additional Details
Retail Price: $5,100
Collection: Grand Carrera (Men’s)
Case: round, fine-brushed and polished stainless steel, 42.5 mm diameter, 13 mm thickness
Case Back: fitted sapphire crystal that displays Calibre 8 RS movement and gear train
Dial: black
Band Material: alligator (black)
Band Dimensions: standard men’s length, 22 mm wide
Bezel: stationary, fine-brushed and polished stainless steel
Closing System: fold over clasp with push button safety
Display: analog
Balance Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Collection Variations: chronograph, combination chronograph/calendars, chronometers
Dial Variations: black, silver, brown, silver with rose gold accents, brown with rose gold accents
Bezel Variations: fine brushed steel, polished steel, rose gold
Band/Bracelet Variations: fine brushed steel, polished steel, alligator (black, brown with varied color stitching)