This year, Swiss watch manufacturer TAG-Heuer celebrates the 50th anniversary of their iconic timepiece, the Carrera, so it was only natural that they throw a party in its honor. And oh what a party is was. Think champagne, vintage Porsches and models serving hors d’oeuvres and you’re halfway there. Held in the shadow of New York City’s celebrated Highline Park at a converted art studio, the bash was a fitting tribute to an iconic timepiece that has so indelibly imprinted itself on the worlds of horology and auto racing.
The proceedings were formally kicked off with a presentation by TAG-Heuer North America’s President & CEO, Ulrich Wohn, who spent his time on the podium detailing his company’s rich heritage and close association with automotive racing. He was followed on stage by none other than Jack Heuer himself, the man who created the Carrera back in 1963 and who still serves as honorary Chairman to this day. In a thoughtful and often times humorous speech, Mr. Heuer, a self-titled “legibility junkie”, recounted the process behind creating and naming his iconic timepiece, and in doing so, revealed to his audience that the years have done little to dim his natural intelligence and vigor.
The presentation closed with an electrifying performance by world-renowned violinist Miri Ben-Ari, after which guests were free to peruse the collection of vintage and contemporary Carrera timepieces and Porsches on display, and even look on as an artist-in-residence placed the finishing touches on an original painting commemorating the Carrera.
Of course, an anniversary party is nothing without presents, and in this TAG-Heuer did not disappoint. On display with the other Carreras past and present was the new Carrera Calibre 1887 Jack Heuer 50th Anniversary Edition in titanium and steel. As the lengthy name implies, this piece uses TAG-Heuer’s new in-house caliber 1887 movement, and just as with the original, it was designed by the master. Jack Heuer may be stepping down soon as honorary Chairman of the company founded by his grandfather, but it’s clear that he’s still got it.
