In an exclusive interview with Tatler Asia, Porsche board member Detlev von Platen and Tag Heuer CEO Frédéric Arnault announce their new partnership
Porsche has teamed up with Tag Heuer for a daredevil timepiece inspired by the former's ultra-glam 911 Carrera sports car, and while the new Carrera Porsche Chronograph is somewhat subtle when compared to watches spawned by other car-watch partnerships, there's no denying its parentage.
Why? Well, the Porsche logo is etched into this chronograph's bezel and an oscillating rotor, visible through the open case back, is designed to look like a steering wheel. In another nod to the car manufacturer, a red, black and grey colour scheme has been used, which simultaneously pays tribute to Tag’s vintage models.
The watchmaker’s in-house Calibre Heuer 02 boasts 80 hours of power reserve and is housed in a burly 44 mm steel case. Collectors can choose between a supple calf leather strap (HK$46,950) or a streamlined interlocking bracelet (HK$48,600).
This is not the first time Tag has collaborated with a high-end car manufacturer. The watchmaker previously enjoyed collaborations with Aston Martin (2018–2020) and Ferrari (1971–1978), but for the company’s CEO Frédéric Arnault, who is also son of LVMH chairman and chief executive Bernard Arnault, Tag and Porsche couldn’t be more perfectly aligned.
“Both companies have invested, for decades, in the world of motorsports,” he tells Tatler in an exclusive Zoom interview. “We have so much in common, so this partnership made a lot of sense. I reached out to Porsche about two years ago. It’s a partnership that took some time because we wanted to build it properly. It was a natural fit, and both companies saw a huge opportunity.”
Porsche board member Detlev von Platen, who is also on the call, nods in agreement. “When I met Frédéric for the first time, it became evident very quickly that we were talking about a very unique and strong potential partnership. This isn’t just about sponsoring each other’s companies. This is going to be stronger and long-lasting.”