Watches 5 THINGS ABOUT THE CARRERA PLASMA, DIAMANT D'AVANT-GARDE
Watches & Wonders 2023
3 min
TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma Diamant d'Avant-Garde (CBN5A91.BZ0000)
When TAG Heuer introduced the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma featuring lab-grown diamonds in 2022 it represented a major milestone in the 160 year history of the company. It also marked the beginning of a new era in luxury design and technical innovation.
Now, as part of their year-long celebration of the legendary Carrera’s 60th birthday – its diamond anniversary – the luxury watchmakers are unveiling a brand new TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma, with upgraded Diamant d’Avant-Garde features. A true masterpiece of aspirational aesthetics and technical expertise, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma embodies the true potential of this revolutionary technology. Here’s everything you need to know about this market-disrupting marvel and the pioneering advances that made it a reality on the wrist.
1. PURE SCIENCE
Diamonds have captivated mankind for centuries, and lab-grown diamonds have been a possibility for decades. But it used to take a lot of energy consumption and labor to recreate the natural conditions under which traditionally sourced diamonds are formed. Only in recent years has chemical vapor deposition – or Diamant d’Avant-Garde – technology revolutionized the potential for lab-grown diamonds, resetting the boundaries of versatility and creativity in the luxury world and beyond.
A ‘seed’ of traditionally sourced diamond is placed into a vacuum into which gases containing carbon and hydrogen are introduced. These gases are ignited with high powered microwave radiation, causing the elements to decompose and gradually bond to the ‘seed’, growing the crystal.
Contrary to some common assumptions, Diamant d’Avant-Garde technology creates diamonds that are identical to those which are traditionally sourced, with all the same properties – but unlike traditionally sourced diamonds, the aesthetic and technical possibilities are endless.
2. DIAMOND JUBILEE
There’s no better model to showcase the full aesthetic and technical potential of Diamant d’Avant-Garde technology than the perennially ground-breaking TAG Heuer Carrera, and no better occasion than the legendary timepiece’s diamond anniversary.
The 44mm case of the new TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma is made of sandblasted anodized aluminium, the perfect backdrop for its uniquely shaped Diamant d’Avant-Garde elements. The light elegance of the aluminium is perfectly balanced with the bright purity of the diamond, creating a showstopping combination of complementary materials. The diamond embellished indexes and polycrystalline diamond dial are stunning standout features, and the upgraded bracelet is a bold continuation of the diamond-set case, creating a dazzling, cohesive look that extends around the wrist.
3. CHAMPIONING EXCELLENCE
From art to athletics, TAG Heuer have a long, eminent history of successful collaboration with industry leaders in a wide range of fields. By welcoming the wonder of Diamant d’Avant-Garde technology into their world, the Swiss watchmaker is pushing the boundaries of brilliance once again.
It’s only in recent years that the revolutionary innovations of visionary entrepreneurs have made the fantasy of lab-grown diamonds a reality, thanks to advancements that allow them to be grown more efficiently than ever before. The lab-grown diamonds used in the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma are manufactured by a network of pioneering partners who have become the driving force behind this cutting-edge technology, including Lusix, Capsoul and Diamaze. By collaborating with these industry leaders TAG Heuer are continuing their fine tradition of championing excellence.
4. A CREATIVE REVOLUTION
By introducing Diamant d’Avant-Garde technology to its product universe TAG Heuer are expanding their potential for truly unique, avant-garde aesthetics, and the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma is one of the first defining steps in this creative revolution.
The remarkable capacity of this market-disrupting technology means diamonds can be made to measure and meet demand, creating whole new dimensions of creative control. Using Diamant d’Avant-Garde technology the exact shade, shape and cut of diamonds can be precisely controlled to meet designers’ desires, meaning the possibilities for bespoke and original timepieces are limitless. This versatility provides the opportunity to unleash the imagination and experiment with materials of exceptional purity for the time in history.
5. BEAUTIFUL ON THE INSIDE
The ground-breaking capabilities of Diamant d’Avant-Garde technology are resetting the limits of state-of-the-art horology as well as the universe of luxury aesthetics.
The unique features of the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma are not just visually captivating; the revolutionary engineering featured inside the watch is just as spectacular and intricate as its dazzling appearance. Equipped with the TAG Heuer Nanograph movement, the calibre features a carbon hairspring developed in-house by the TAG Heuer Institute which is made possible by the same Diamant d’Avant-Garde technology behind the watch’s alluring aesthetics. This carbon hairspring delivers exceptional levels of anti-magnetism, shock resistance, and stability at different temperatures. Inside and out, the timepiece is a cohesive masterclass in the use of luxury material, setting a new standard in Swiss-made excellence.
