Jewellery & Watch News
We’re not the only ones to notice, but TAG Heuer’s latest Carrera offerings have been on the money. Both affordable and beautiful, designs like the new Carrera Chronograph “Glassbox” and Carrera Date 36mm are a genius mix of vintage revival and modern innovation. These releases coincide with the Swiss watchmaker’s festivities for the TAG Heuer Carrera’s 60th anniversary also celebrated within their first Hollywood action-comedy: “The Chase for Carrera”.
“The Chase for the Carrera” is a world-first Hollywood action-comedy created to celebrate 60 years of the iconic TAG Heuer Carrera. The mini blockbuster stars brand ambassador Ryan Gosling, known for his leading roles in Drive and The Gray Man, alongside Vanessa Bayer (I Love That For You, Saturday Night Live) who together compete in a no-holdsbarred chase that perfectly encapsulates TAG Heuer’s motto, “Don’t crack under pressure”. The feature is produced by David Leitch’s 87 North, responsible for some of the most iconic action films of the last decade, from John Wick to Deadpool 2 to last year’s Bullet Train – and is directed by Nash Edgerton (Mr Inbetween). You can watch the feature in the video below.
Frédéric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer, comments on the mini blockbuster: “TAG Heuer has always had a close connection to Hollywood, with our timepieces worn on the wrists of silver screen legends across the decades, from Steve McQueen to our very own Ryan Gosling. And the Carrera has always been more than just a timepiece – born from the racetrack, it’s a statement of daring and adventure as much as it is the epitome of elegance. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate its 60 years that than with this world-first: a mini Hollywood blockbuster collaborating with the best action-movie director in the world in David Leitch, responsible for such instant classics as John Wick and Bullet Train, and starring Ryan Gosling, not only the A-list icon of his age, but someone who always brings the utmost dedication and creativity to every project he embarks on, and that couldn’t be more true here. Here’s to the next 60.”
It's a wonderfully creative movie in high-octane style with iconic sports cars, heavy-duty trucks and blockbuster-worthy explosions. But it’s more than just an action-packed chase, it has playful slapstick comedy with hints of mob drama and Western parody and back again. The story begins with Ryan Gosling wearing a TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph watch which he has been given to him for the shooting of a movie. After the director, played by Leitch himself, calls action, Vanessa Bayer’s character the Prop Master asks for the watch back. Refusing to give it up, Gosling speeds off in a high-adrenaline chase and Bayer humorously follows.
Ryan Gosling adds: “I think what impressed me most was just how fearless and creatively versatile the team at TAG Heuer is. This campaign is wildly different from not only everything we’ve done together, but I think, anything they’ve ever done before. I was working with David Leitch on The Fall Guy and was enjoying it so much I asked him while we were filming an action scene if he would be interested in collaborating on my new campaign with the brand. Since the film was about making a film, we thought it made sense that the commercial be about making a commercial. And they [TAG Heuer] did it with such ease and joy, it made the experience a fun and creative experience for everyone involved. It was surprising to see a luxury brand known for such serious and artful campaigns, suddenly embrace and showcase such a strong sense of humour.”
David Leitch also comments: “Beyond being one of the most brilliant actors of his generation, Ryan was a thousand percent committed to bringing his best performance for this film. And really leaning in and like saying, okay, let’s make these bold choices together. It was really the same process as shooting a feature – the team prepped it like a mini action movie. It was always: how can we be creative? How can we be funny? How can we make a golf cart feel energetic and fun and dangerous? And I think with Nash Edgerton directing, who has exceptional knowledge of how to shoot action, and Ryan contributing to the creative, we did that.”
Eagle-eyed viewers may spot some of easter eggs hidden within “The Chase for the Carrera”, each one a nod to the Carrera’s illustrious past. The feature opens in an art-deco hotel corridor as Gosling finds himself chased by sword-wielding gangsters, but the first person we see is an older lady about to enter one of the doors. This lady is one of said easter eggs, as she wears a pair of white sunglasses just like Jacqueline Evans de López, the British-born Mexican TV and film actress who was the first woman to compete in the infamous Panamericana race. There are five other hints and homages to the TAG Heuer Carrera’s rich history, including significant names, notable numbers, and a glimpse of another iconic figure.
You don’t need to be so eagle-eyed to spot the two leading TAG Heuer watches appearing in the film. The first is the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph “Glassbox” Chronograph watch, reference CBS2212.FC6535 with a blue sunray dial. This design was released at this years Watches & Wonders showcase and has become widely popular for its unique domed sapphire crystal glass. The shape of the glass takes inspiration from the domed acrylic glass used on the original Carrera watches from the 1960’s, creating a bezel-less look and an effortless view of the dial at all angles. Meanwhile, Vanessa Bayer can be seen wearing one of the new TAG Heuer Carrera Date 36mm watches, reference WBN2313.BA0001, with a gorgeous hot pink dial.
You can shop the TAG Heuer Carrera watches featured in the “The Chase for the Carrera” movie for yourself on the C W Sellors website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at sales@cwsellors.com.
