Whoever asked for a solid gold TAG Heuer Carrera has finally gotten their wish. Well, 15 lucky people will have their wish. Thanks to a collaboration between Bamford Watch Department and American artist, Wes Lang, prospective owners can enjoy the automotive inspired Carrera with elements of Lang’s own style.
The 42mm wide and 14.4mm thick case is rendered in solid 18k 3N rose gold with a sapphire crystal and 100m of water resistance.
In terms of design, they haven’t gone too far in changing the DNA of the Carrera by keeping the faceted and mixed-finished template. The real change is the case materials as well as the 6 o’clock signature which replaces a third sub-dial.
As Bamford Watch Department explains, “A recurring illustration through Lang’s work takes centre stage at 6 o’clock; a salute to the race car, depicting a tyre adorned with wings and a flaming skull, a decadent continuation of his vision and his memento mori drawings.”
The dial has been executed without a date or a running seconds display instead we have the active chronograph seconds and a 12-hour chronograph measure with a 30-minute display.
Behind the sapphire caseback is the Heuer 02 automatic column-wheel chronograph calibre that ticks at 4Hz with a great 80 hour power reserve.
As expected from Bamford Watch Department, the limited edition watch arrives in an elaborate package.
“The Bamford Watch Department x Wes Lang Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph is enclosed in a wooden case, engraved with the ritualistic homage to the intricate design on the dial,” explains Bamford Watch Department.
“In a limited run, the BWD x Wes Lang Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph is a watch that speculates in the thrill of movement; of taking a risk, the pursuit of change, the sensation of speed, and with that, the affirming power of looking forward, by reflecting on what has passed.”
Wes Lang’s art draws from the post-pop American landscape with many of his influences being autobiographical with some exceptions. These include Native American totems, painters and sculptors like Twombly, Guston, and Kline. He is known for bombastic images depicting grim reapers, Indian chiefs, death authors, roses, birds, and horses among other things.
These are available from the 19th June from BWD’s website and costs £19,000. As mentioned previously, these are limited to just 15 pieces.
