TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper Chronograph Ref. CAV5115
Racing Chronograph · TAG Heuer, owned by LVMH, operating in the luxury and premium tier with a rich heritage in motorsports timing
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-present) with strong automotive racing influences
Type
Racing Chronograph
Brand
TAG Heuer, owned by LVMH, operating in the luxury and premium tier with a rich heritage in motorsports timing
Movement
Automatic mechanical chronograph, TAG Heuer Calibre 36 (based on the legendary high-beat Zenith El Primero), vibrating at 36,000vph (5 Hz), containing 31 jewels, with an approximate 50-hour power reserve
Dimensions
Case diameter: 43 mm, Case thickness: approximately 15 mm, Lug-to-lug distance: 50 mm, Lug width: 22 mm
Description
The TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper Chronograph is an audacious bridge between high-end Swiss watchmaking and professional motorsport instrumentation. Inspired by GT race cars, the Grand Carrera line introduced dashboard-derived rotating discs rather than traditional sub-dials. The Calibre 36 heartbeat—pulsing at a blistering 3,600 vibrations per hour—allows for precise 1/10th of a second tracking, emphasized by the patented linear caliper scale. With its bold 43mm architecture, contrasting white dial, and distinctive black bezel, this timepiece offers aggressive wrist presence, robust engineering, and unyielding performance.
Key Features
High-beat 36,000 vph Zenith-derived El Primero movement, unique Rotating System (RS) disc displays instead of standard sub-dials, mechanical linear caliper scale for 1/10th second readings, racing-inspired dashboard aesthetics, and black tachymeter bezel
Dial Description
White dial with a striped texture (Côtes de Genève), applied silver-toned faceted hour markers and hands, featuring the innovative Rotating System (RS) discs for the chronograph sub-dials instead of traditional hands, a date window at the 4:30 position, and a central linear caliper scale for 1/10th of a second measurement
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of fine-brushed and polished finishing, featuring distinctive side grilles on the case flank
Crystal Type
Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating
Bezel Details
Fixed black titanium-carbide coated stainless steel bezel featuring a tachymeter scale with striking red accents and white printed numerals for measuring speed
Crown & Pushers
Signed screw-down crown with red ring accent at 3 o'clock flanked by rectangular chronograph pushers, alongside a unique secondary crown or adjustment system at the 10 o'clock position operating the caliper scale
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel multi-piece bracelet with a mix of brushed and polished links, secured by a deployment clasp with safety push-buttons
Caseback Details
Screw-down sapphire exhibition display case back revealing the high-frequency mechanical movement with custom-decorated oscillating weight, bearing engraved model and serial details
Movement Type
Automatic mechanical chronograph, TAG Heuer Calibre 36 (based on the legendary high-beat Zenith El Primero), vibrating at 36,000vph (5 Hz), containing 31 jewels, with an approximate 50-hour power reserve
Water Resistance
Rated to 100 meters (330 feet / 10 ATM), making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational water sports, though not designed for professional saturation diving
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Switzerland utilizing an elite high-frequency chronograph movement originally engineered by Zenith
Age Estimate
Circa 2008-2015, reflecting the peak era of the Grand Carrera collection's production
Cultural Significance
Represents TAG Heuer's pinnacle of luxury motorsport innovation during the late 2000s, showcasing how traditional mechanical complications could be presented through a modern, automotive-dashboard design language
Condition Notes
Case and bracelet show standard minor desk-diving micro-scratches consistent with careful wear, crystal is clear and free of blemishes, dial and rotating discs remain clean and functional, bezel is intact with crisp red and white markings
Value Estimate
Secondary market value generally ranges between $3,500 and $5,500 USD depending heavily on the inclusion of original box, papers, and recent service history
Care & Maintenance
Recommended professional mechanical service every 5 to 7 years to ensure lubrication integrity of the high-beat 36,000 vph movement, regular water resistance seal testing, and gentle cleaning with a soft microfiber cloth
Similar Watches
TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph, Omega Speedmaster Racing, Breitling Chronomat 44, Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Interesting Facts
The Calibre 36 movement inside this watch is directly derived from the legendary Zenith El Primero movement, widely recognized as the world's first integrated automatic high-frequency chronograph caliber introduced in 1969