Bamford Watch Department x Wes Lang present a Limited Edition TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph
Zach Blass- BWD collaborates with Wes Lang to bring the artist’s signature flourishes to the iconic Carrera Chronograph
- Wes Lang is known for his recurring figures and symbols— horses, reapers, skulls, birds, the indigenous American and other post-pop Americana iconography
- The watch is a harmonious melding of Jack Heuer and Wes Lang’s design codes in a rose gold chronograph
You know how we often remark a limited edition deserves to be a standard production model. This is one of those moments. The TAG Heuer Carrera is a legendary chronograph that offers a wonderful canvas for exploration in design. Yes, with its legendary status, some design rules cannot be broken. But leave it to the customisation experts over at Bamford Watch Department and artist Wes Lang to put their heads together to present a striking 18K gold BWD x Wes Lang TAG Heuer Carerra Chronograph Limited Edition where neither the canvas nor the collaborators’ signature design codes are diluted.
The limited-edition watch finds itself in a 18K 3N yellow gold case 42mm in diameter and 14.4mm thick, with a 100-metre depth rating. Nothing about the case strays away from the faceted and mixed-finished template we are accustomed to with the Carrera. And, that is a good thing. It is best not to mess with its tried-and-true form.
The codes of the collaboration come in the form of its colour scheme and 6′ signature inspired by the works of New Jersey-native artist Wes Lang. Bamford Watch Department explains: “A recurring illustration through Lang’s work takes centre stage at 6 o’clock; a salute to the race car, depicting a tyre adorned with wings and a flaming skull, a decadent continuation of his vision and his memento mori drawings.”
It is a subtle, yet strong addition to the dial, that thematically speaks to the ethos of Lang’s post-pop Americana iconography along with the racing heritage of the TAG Heuer Carrera. This element of Lang’s work is a special addition in which it makes sense to make the creation a limited edition. But, I am personally digging the brushed gilt central medallion and the contrast of the black chronograph registers and outer minutes track. This is a colour combo TAG Heuer should have thought of for, or perhaps more aptly returned to, their standard collection.
Inside the watch, exhibited beneath a sapphire caseback, is the Heuer 02 automatic column-wheel chronograph calibre with a more than weekend-proof power reserve of 80 hours. As we have come to expect from Bamford Watch Department, the limited edition watch is presented in highly elaborate packaging.
Bamford Watch Department explains: “The Bamford Watch Department x Wes Lang Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph is enclosed in a wooden case, engraved with the ritualistic homage to the intricate design on the dial. In a limited run, the BWD x Wes Lang Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph is a watch that speculates in the thrill of movement; of taking a risk, the pursuit of change, the sensation of speed, and with that, the affirming power of looking forward, by reflecting on what has passed.”
Bamford Watch Department x Wes Land TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Limited Edition pricing and availability:
The Bamford Watch Department x WES LANG LIMITED EDITION TAG HEUER CARRERA CHRONOGRAPH will be available for purchase beginning 19/06 9:00AM BST, 10:00AM CET, 4:00AM ET online here. Price: £19,000
| Brand | Bamford Watch Department x Wes Lang x TAG Heuer |
| Model | BWD x Wes Lang Carrera Chronograph Limited Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 14.4mm (T) |
| Case Material | 18K 3N yellow gold |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Gilt-toned brushed dial with black counters |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Strap | Black/red textile/leather strap with 18K gold pin/buckle closure |
| Movement | Heuer 02 automatic calibre |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph |
| Availability | Available beginning 19/06 09:00 BST |
| Price | £19,000 |