Emerging from the launch of the revolutionary Calibre 11 movement and dominating the international motorsports scene through associations with figures like Steve McQueen and teams like Scuderia Ferrari, the 1970s marked a period of rapid growth and experimentation for Fake TAG Heuer (then known simply as Heuer). This era brought forth numerous bold and occasionally short-lived chronograph models, including the Monza, Silverstone, Camaro, and the uniquely integrated bracelet Heuer Daytona. Among these, the Montreal stood out as the quintessential chronograph of the ’70s, featuring a hefty brushed barrel case, an internal tachymeter ring, and a variety of vibrant color options, embodying the dominant style of that decade’s sports chronographs. In celebration of its 160th anniversary, TAG Heuer has revived the Montreal name with a limited-edition Carrera chronograph. While not a direct reissue of the ’70s original, the replica TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition captures the vivid colors of the Montreal, creating one of the most eye-catching and fun models in the current Carrera lineup.
In contrast to the robust, rounded cases of the original Montreal, the 39mm stainless steel case of the replica TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition is sleek and classically sporty. Sharing the vintage-inspired design of the Carrera line, this limited edition features a retro fully polished finish and the Carrera’s signature inward angled lugs. To enhance its vintage charm, the watch includes a tall box sapphire crystal. Additionally, it boasts a solid 100-meter depth rating and a sapphire display back showcasing the specially engraved winding rotor inside.
While the rest of the 1:1 Super Clone TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition doesn’t strongly evoke the original ’70s Montreal, the dial design is inspired by one of the rarest and most sought-after Montreal models, the white dial reference 110503W from 1972. Though there are significant adaptations, such as redesigning it as a three-register chronograph instead of the original two-register Calibre 11, the result is colorful and dynamic without being overwhelming. The white opaline main dial serves as a bright canvas for splashes of vibrant red, cool blue, and lemon yellow. At first glance, this playfulness with color starts at the outer chapter ring, where the seconds markings are printed in a cheerful mix of red and blue. The main white dial is surrounded by a bright blue ring with electric yellow lume pips. The three chronograph subdials are elegantly finished with azurage, their aquatic blue tones enhanced by their slightly recessed position below the main white dial. While blue, white, and red form a classic combination, the vibrant yellow lume on the hands, hour markers, and 3 o’clock chronograph minutes subdial sets this edition apart. Despite its almost toy-like brightness, it makes for a striking summer statement piece, though the effectiveness of the yellow lume might be a concern, as colored luminous paint often dims faster than classic white lume.
The replica TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition is powered by the in-house Heuer 02 automatic chronograph movement. This recent addition to TAG Heuer’s movement lineup features a prized vertical clutch and column wheel for precise chronograph function, along with an impressive 80-hour power reserve and a stable 28,800 bph frequency. The Heuer 02 is also aesthetically pleasing, adorned with Côtes de Genève on the movement plates and a commemorative rotor celebrating the brand’s 160th anniversary.
Instead of the rally straps or classic NSA bracelets of the original Montreal, the replica TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition comes with a navy blue alligator leather strap with a signed deployant clasp. While the strap is elegant on its own, its formal style contrasts with the playful dial, though it’s easy to swap out for a more casual perforated calf leather strap in black or blue, which might better complement the dial’s vibrant design.
