Since 2004, TAG Heuer has served as the Official Timekeeper of the Indianapolis 500 automobile race. Known as one of the oldest automobile races and part of the famous “Triple Crown”, the Indy 500 is a 500-mile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the US. The event is attended by 300,000 spectators every year, making it the most-attended full-day sports event in the world.
To mark the legendary Indy 500 automobile race on May 26, 2019, the brand has launched two sporty timepieces that feature a design inspired by the annual event. The race track is known as “The Brickyard” because it was paved with 3.2 million bricks in 1909. This detail has made its way onto the case-back of the two special edition timepieces. Engraved on the stainless steel case-backs of the Carrera and Formula 1 models is the iconic Indy 500 logo, including the date of this year’s race and a brick pattern in the background.
The two collections that feature the Indy 500 Special Editions both tell an important part of TAG Heuer’s story and connection to the world of motor racing. The adrenaline and thrill of the sport is part of the Swiss watchmaker’s heritage, as are the Carrera Panamericana race that inspired the Carrera line and the brand’s links to Formula 1 racing and the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team. Unlike previous years, the models for this year – the TAG Heuer Carrera Indy 500 Special Edition and the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Indy 500 Special Edition – have been launched internationally. With these two timepieces, TAG Heuer shares its passion for the sport and the Indy 500 race with speed demons and watch aficionados around the globe.
TAG Heuer Carrera Indy 500 Special Edition
The new TAG Heuer Carrera Indy 500 Special Edition is a demonstration of the avant-garde watchmaker’s passion for the intensity and excitement of motor racing. Presented on a perforated black calfskin strap with red stitching and lining, the 41mm Carrera wristwatch is linked to the Indy 500 race. The Indy 500 logo is on the sub-dial at 6 o’clock and “Indy 500” is engraved in red on the ceramic bezel. The black dial of this sporty chronograph is complete with white sub-dials, a date window at 3 o’clock and “Carrera” and “Calibre 16” printed in white, indicating the mechanical movement inside. Subtle touches of bold red are found on the edge of the counter from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock and the chronograph seconds hand, as well as the pusher. This timepiece comes in special packaging.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Indy 500 Special Edition
The first Indy 500 timepiece that the TAG Heuer launched outside of the US, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Indy 500 Special Edition, is a spirited 43mm chronograph with a clear connection to the historic race. “Indy 500” and the brand's shield stand out in red on the black aluminum bezel. Continuing with the red accents, the “60” of the minute-scale enhances the black dial with its sporty red lacquer. The chronograph seconds hand is also red, as are the hands on the white sub-dials and the numbers on the inner counter. The Indy 500 logo is prominently placed on the sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Indy 500 Special Edition is also presented in special packaging.
