About the TAG Heuer CDD2180.FT8120
The TAG Heuer Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph CDD2180.FT8120 debuted in 2026 as the first rattrapante chronograph integrated into the Carrera collection, marking a technical expansion of the line within TAG Heuer’s Avant-Garde Horlogerie segment. Introduced during LVMH Watch Week in Milan, the model combines the modern Carrera “glassbox” architecture with a split-seconds chronograph movement developed in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier.
The case measures 42 mm in diameter and is manufactured from grade-5 titanium, featuring a combination of fine-brushed and polished surfaces. The Carrera’s characteristic faceted lugs are retained, while elongated chronograph pushers are positioned at 2 and 4 o’clock. A third pusher integrated into the case band at 9 o’clock activates the split-seconds mechanism. The domed sapphire crystal follows the glassbox construction introduced in the Carrera collection in 2023, extending over the rehaut to reduce visual separation between dial and crystal. Water resistance is rated to 30 metres.
The dial is executed in translucent sapphire glass, allowing an unobstructed view of the movement architecture beneath. A curved flange with tachymeter scale follows the profile of the crystal to minimise parallax. Three subsidiary displays are constructed from translucent sapphire: a 60-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour chronograph counter at 9 o’clock, and a running seconds display at 6 o’clock. Applied curved hour markers are rhodium-plated and finished with white Super-LumiNova, paired with open-worked hour and minute hands treated in the same manner. The central chronograph seconds hand is white lacquered, while the split-seconds hand is open-worked and finished in red lacquer for clear differentiation.
Powering the watch is the automatic TAG Heuer Calibre TH81-01, a split-seconds chronograph movement beating at 5 Hz. The calibre is constructed from more than 350 components and offers a power reserve of approximately 65 hours with the chronograph disengaged and 55 hours with the chronograph running. The movement is manufactured in grade-5 titanium and is entirely hand-finished, employing techniques including black polishing, hand-beveling, and engraved decoration. TAG Heuer’s hand-engraved chequered-flag motif is applied across the bridges, while the oscillating weight is shaped as the TAG Heuer shield and finished with fine brushing and a miniature gradient accent around its perimeter.
The sapphire case back provides a full view of the calibre, designed to create the impression of the movement floating within the case. The watch is fitted with a black rubber strap featuring textile embossing and red stitching, secured by a grade-5 titanium folding clasp with double safety push-buttons.