TAG Heuer Gallops into the New Year with Limited Edition Carrera

TAG Heuer is galloping into the new year in style. Just weeks after debuting a new Australian exclusive, the Swiss luxury watchmaker has revealed a first look at its stunning new Carrera Chronograph Year of the Fire Horse. Released to commemorate the seventh position in the Chinese zodiac, which comes into effect on 17 February 2026, the limited edition chronograph does not stray too far from the established Carrera design codes.

All the elements we know and love are on display, however, this watch does feature some dazzling new additions that have unsurprisingly caught our eye. The latest Carrera Chronograph Year of the Fire Horse is a bold gold and red take on a classic design that proves TAG Heuer, much like its equine inspiration, refuses to be reined in.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Fire Horse

For TAG Heuer, the Carrera line-up is arguably its most symbolic. Designed by Jack Heuer in the 1960s, the range has undergone a number of revitalisations, reimaginings and reprisals, with the 2023 glassbox design proving to be its most ambitious. The introduction of the highly domed sapphire crystal helped to bridge generations of Carreras, harking back to the plexiglass that featured prominently in Jack Heuer’s original designs.

The result is a seamless, bezel-less look where the dial’s flange and tachymeter curve up into the crystal. Of course, there are legibility benefits to this, but for most TAG Heuer collectors, the real advantage is wearability. Glassbox construction has helped to reignite interest vintage and vintage-inspired watches, driving brands such as Vacheron Constantin to rework its Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin collection and Breguet to pay homage to its back catalogue.

For TAG Heuer, the vintage cues are undeniable, most notably with in the Carrera’s slimline 39mm case size, faceted lugs and internal tachymeter. The latest TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Fire Horse follows suit, embracing the same retro aesthetic with a few modern additions.

The limited edition model maintains the same 39mm proportions, classic elongated lugs and five-link beads of rice bracelet, with only marginal changes to the dial. Here, TAG Heuer has accentuated the face with vibrant gold and red touches, colours that are said to represent the hope for financial success, stability, and a bright future in Chinese culture.

The champagne-coloured dial is contrasted by a deep red date window at 9 o’clock and matching 30-minute chronograph totaliser at 3 o’clock. The latter also features a gradient snailed interior and golden numerals, helping to maintain the two-tone aesthetic. You’ll also find an internal tachymeter scale highlighted by a precision seconds track and rose gold-plated indices. Interestingly, the numeral 7 has been replaced by the Chinese character for horse (马), which TAG Heuer explains subtly “unites Eastern symbolism with Swiss precision“.

Movement

Inside, the Swiss maison has left things relatively unchanged. The limited edition model is powered by the in-house calibre TH20-07, a movement that offers supreme accuracy and 80 hours of power reserve. It’s a stellar movement by any measure, but for this specific model, calibre TH20-07 is pushed, quite literally, to the back.

The sapphire crystal caseback that protects the movement has copped a zodiac upgrade; embossed with an image of a galloping horse wearing a No. 7 saddlecloth. When you consider that the Carrera is a range that boasts an unparalleled connection to the racetrack, it feels only fitting that the latest piece leans heavily on horsepower.

Pricing and Availability

TAG Heuer has confirmed that the Carrera Chronograph Year of the Horse Ref. CBS221D.BA0048 will be a limited edition, capped at just 250 pieces worldwide. While it is available to purchase now, it’s likely to sell out quickly, particularly as we edge ever-closer to the Lunar New Year celebrations. The latest model is priced at CHF 7,450 (USD$7,850) and is presented in bespoke, festive packaging that reflects the colours of the festive period. For more information on the latest chronograph, visit TAG Heuer.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Fire Horse Technical Specifications

• Brand: TAG Heuer
• Model: Carrera Chronograph Year of the Fire Horse
• Reference: Ref. CBS221D.BA0048
• Diameter: 39mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel Fine-Brushed/Polished
• Movement: Calibre TH20-07 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres
• Availability: Limited edition 250 pieces
• Price: USD$7,850