Dramatically, we could say it feels like a decade for those of us who have waited for replica TAG Heuer to place its competitively priced tourbillon chronograph movement into a more refined and subtle design. Originally launched in 2016, the Heuer-02T was a futuristic, bulky, sporty chronograph featuring one of the most affordable tourbillon movements from any major Swiss watchmaker. In 2023, as part of the TAG Heuer Carrera’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, this initial concept evolved into the Fake TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph watch, now available with a new teal dial version.
Here are the key changes over the eight years since the replica TAG Heuer’s Heuer-02T (or Heuer02T) was introduced. First, the movement is now named TH20-09, though the brand sometimes still calls it the Heuer02T. The TH20-00 caliber, which includes the TH20-09, is an advancement of the Heuer02T. Still produced at TAG Heuer’s Chevenez facility, it now boasts an extended warranty of up to five years, a bidirectionally winding rotor through a noise-dampened bearing and gear train, and a winding speed among the fastest on the market.
There is also a new oscillating weight design and significant aesthetic changes to the caliber: TAG Heuer has opted for more classic decorations, such as brushed and striped surface treatments, replacing the dark, futuristic black plating of the Heuer02 and Heuer02T calibers with a traditional rhodium-plated movement.
The power reserve and operating frequency remain at 65 hours and 4Hz, respectively. The power reserve is 15 hours less than the non-tourbillon Heuer02 (TH20-00), likely due to the added weight of the tourbillon assembly. While the TH20-09 might still run for 80 hours when fully wound, the mainspring can’t deliver enough torque through the heavy tourbillon to the escapement for reliable timekeeping during the last 15 hours.
Interestingly, TAG Heuer seems to have quietly dropped the COSC chronometer certification during this update. Since 2016, the Heuer02T was praised for its aggressive pricing and for shaming historic brands offering significantly more expensive tourbillons without backing up their claims of accuracy. Adjusting and fine-tuning a tourbillon for high timekeeping performance is very challenging, and many brands realized they could charge high prices for tourbillons without proof of accuracy.
TAG Heuer was among the few to produce a tourbillon that performed well in series production. This step back from proven chronometric performance is odd, especially given that the teal-dial-equipped replica TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph watch is more expensive than the COSC-certified original: MSRP has increased from $15,950 USD to $24,050 USD. Additionally, TAG Heuer still lists the “old” Heuer02T-equipped Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon (reference CAR5A90.BH0742) with a COSC-certified movement, a ceramic case, and a full ceramic bracelet for $22,850 USD on its website, which is a great deal for that price.
The new replica TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph with a teal dial might rely on its attractive design to justify its higher price. Watch design is subjective, but the “glassbox” execution — eliminating a traditional bezel — combined with a color-shifting teal dial, long Carrera lugs, applied hour markers, and a large tourbillon cut-out at 6 o’clock create a striking piece. At 42mm wide, it looks more mature and elegant than the early Heuer02T watches. While it remains thick at 14.33mm, the large, domed crystal and the depth of the dial compensate for much of that.