Hi !
Allright i noticed there was absolutely no website which reviewed this watch (maybe i wasn't searching right ?? ) so i thought i'd write one up just in case, coz I have already got the watch. A metal strapped black dial Carrera calibre 5 VW211m from Tag Heuer. From the first look of it, you can judge its not one of those fancy watches with shining metal all over it and fancy chronometer dials within. Who uses all these chrono dials anyway ?? Unless you are a pilot and you think a Bretling with a magnetic compass can actually be of some use for you, i really feel these dials clutter your wrist watch. The calibre 5 VW211m is a simple executive watch with a slight hint of sophistication brought in by the french style checks inside (also know as clous de Paris pattern ) the dial. This is probably the only watch that I have seen with such a pattern in it and i think its beautiful. It's got a black Baton dial with large date window at the 3 '0' clock position. The hours are marked with a single strand of polished baton and the 12 o clock position alone has 2 batons which i don't understand why.
Another pecuiliar feature of this watch is its alphabetical representation of the hours with single equidistant silver dots in-between each of these words. The Tag heuer logo appears just below the 12 o clock position with the word "Carrera" on top of it. Just above 6 o clock has the technology behind the watch embossed the "Calibre 5". The calibre 5 provides 42 hour power reserve for the automatic movement. This however has been a bit of concern for me because i think mine stands up and running only for 24 hours. I must re-check this before I can assure you that.
The dial is encompassed inside a fixed a aluminium bezel with every 5th minute marked on it. The polished stainless steel case is 39mm in dia, just the optimum size for a watch i believe. The dial is protected by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and provides excellent resistance to glare. The watch comes with a 5 row stainless steel bracelet with with contrating brushed and polished finishing, the brushed portions taking up the larger surface area. The hand-applied hour markers coated with luminescent material add to the elegance of the watch. The derriere has a see through crystal and gives you a sneak peek of the underlying calibre 5 automatic mechanism.
On the whole i feel this is a great buy for the price it is at relative to other tag carrera's (I got it at £1200 though it is at almost 1400 now). Its got just the things that you need in a watch and no additional buttons and dials to distract your attention. Wearing this calibre 5 portrays that you are simple, elegant, executive, sophisticated and pay attention to detail. The watch comes in both brown and black dials. I got the black one.
I would undoubtedly recommend this watch to anyone looking to buy it. This is one of the tag's that you don't see a lot of people wearing too (so far I have only seen myself with it, and at the goldsmith's window) and that is something i like about it too. You dont want to be spending a massive amount on a luxury watch that 5 other colleagues of yours have on their hands. The uniqueness, rarity and the simplicity of the watch appeals.
Happy shopping !!
Cheers
