Black and gold, a colour combination affectionately remembered by Formula 1 racing fans and smokers before fag packets were turned into health-scare vehicles, is a noticeably hot trend for watchmakers this year.
The latest brand to embrace the contrasting colours is TAG Heuer, which is rapidly reviving its Carrera racing watch line as a contemporary design icon.
(Watch this space for an absolute corker coming your way before Christmas)
Collectors will know that a new Carrera in black and gold is not the first time the racy chronograph has chosen this livery.
It was first seen in 1970 with the Heuer reference 1158 CHN, which is said to have been the then-CEO Jack Heuer’s personal favourite.
Solid gold versions from the time now sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
TAG Heuer today has reversed the colourway so that a black dial is punctuated with golden panda subdials and a discrete small seconds and date at 6 o’clock.
The watch comes in a 42mm solid 18ct yellow gold case and has gold pushers and crown.
Unlike the more utilitarian versions in the 1970s, TAG Heuer has given the modern Carrera a crystal case back, exposing its Calibre Heuer 02 automatic chronograph movement, which has an impressive 80 hour power reserve.
The watch, which is not limited, is sold on a black alligator strap with a gold pin buckle for £17,850.
