Watches A Sea-bound Legacy: The Story Behind the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee

3 min

TAG Heuer’s new special edition - the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee - takes us through the archives of maritime watchmaking. This revival of the classic Seafarer chronographs pays homage to TAG Heuer’s innovative spirit and rich history of crafting watches for the high seas.

The story begins in the late 1940s when a young Jack Heuer made his first significant contribution to the family business. “One interesting thing that happened during my school days was that around 1947 or 1948, when I was 15, I made my first professional contribution to the family watchmaking business,” Jack Heuer recalled in his memoir, “The Times of My Life.” His father, tasked by Walter Haynes of Abercrombie & Fitch to produce a tide watch based on a patent Walter had filed for the innovation, turned to Jack and his physics teacher, the brilliant Dr. Heinz Schilt, for help. This collaboration led to an improvement of the accuracy of the indicator of the Solunar, the world’s first watch to display tide times. 

Building on the success of the Heuer Solunar, the company introduced the Mareographe/Seafarer around 1950, a watch that combined tide indication with a chronograph function. This watch became synonymous with maritime adventure, featuring prominently on the wrists of sailors and yachting enthusiasts.

Reference: 2446C & CBS2014.FT6293

Bridging Past and Present

Fast-forward to today: the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee continues this legacy. Inspired by the 1968 “2446C Seafarer,” the new edition features a 42mm stainless steel case, a black opalin dial with bold blue accents, and a dedicated tide indicator at 9 o’clock. This complication, once a pioneering feature, is now a tribute to the Swiss Maison’s maritime heritage, allowing sailors and enthusiasts to track the tides with precision.

Encased in a glassbox construction, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee combines inspiration from our heritage with modern engineering. The black textured integrated rubber strap ensures comfort and durability, while the new “Tide” push-button highlights the watch’s sophisticated design. Powered by TAG Heuer’s in-house movement, the Calibre TH20-13, this chronograph maintains accurate timekeeping, embodying the Maison’s commitment to horological excellence​.

Embracing the Legacy

This special edition TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee encapsulates the spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of innovation that defines TAG Heuer. It is a piece of history, a bold new revival of a maritime icon that once guided sailors through the world’s oceans. With this watch comfortably strapped around your wrist, are you ready to embark on a thrilling odyssey across the high seas?