Go on a journey through time with the TAG Heuer Carrera pop-up exhibition

The TAG Heuer Carrera Date 36mm with a pink dial on display at the TAG Heuer Carrera 60th anniversary pop-up exhibition in The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, the iconic TAG Heuer Carrera presents a fascinating pop-up exhibition in Kuala Lumpur that takes visitors on a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of its timepiece over the past six decades.

The Carrera series, esteemed within the TAG Heuer family, is widely recognised as one of the most popular sports chronographs in history.

The pop-up exhibition serves as a testament to its rich heritage and significant advancements over the decades.

The Carrera’s remarkable story began in the 1950s when it was inspired by the famous Carrera Panamericana, a gruelling road race held in Mexico.

This challenging race motivated Jack Heuer, a talented watchmaker, to create a watch that could handle the thrilling demands of motorsports.

His creative pursuit resulted in the development of the Heuer Carrera reference 2447, a chronograph specifically designed to withstand the extreme conditions of racing.

Visitors at the pop-up exhibition are granted an exclusive chance to view up close five rare heritage timepieces, specially brought in from the TAG Heuer Museum in Switzerland.

These remarkable watches include the Heuer Pre-Carrera Reference 3336, Heuer Carrera Reference 2447, Heuer Carrera Reference 3147 and Heuer Carrera Reference 1153.

The standout among the rare timepieces is the Heuer Carrera Reference 1158, featuring a case made of 18-karat gold.

This extraordinary watch made its debut during Jack Heuer’s tenure as the official timekeeper for the Ferrari racing team in the 1970s.

Recognising the absence of suitable timekeeping instruments for the racers to measure their performance on the track, Jack Heuer gifted each driver a special limited-edition gold Carrera chronograph.

These unique watches were presented to every Ferrari driver in the Formula One race, symbolising the seamless integration of timekeeping and the exciting realm of auto racing.

Each of these exclusive watches represents a significant milestone in the TAG Heuer Carrera’s evolutionary journey, showcasing the technological advancements and design refinements that characterise the timepiece.

Apart from the rare heritage timepieces, the exhibition features the latest additions to the TAG Heuer Carrera collection, showcasing the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation and contemporary design.

Among the watches on display are the TAG Heuer Carrera 39mm “Glassbox” and the Carrera Date 36mm, allowing visitors to admire these miniature marvels of engineering and design up close.

The exhibition launch brought together more than 150 guests from the fashion and lifestyle scene, including notable personalities such as the multi-talented model and actress Alicia Amin, model Nia Atasha, and renowned TV personality Daniella Sya.

Malaysian racing driver Nazim Azman was also in attendance.

The TAG Heuer Carrera pop-up exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and timeless appeal of this legendary timepiece, paying homage to the Carrera’s rich history while embracing innovation, which has made it a beloved choice among watch enthusiasts worldwide who appreciate it for its precision, style and unwavering performance.

The TAG Heuer Carrera 60th anniversary pop-up exhibition in the The Gardens mall, Kuala Lumpur, is open to the public.

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 10pm until July 9.