Pre-Owned TAG Heuer Targa Florio Chronograph CX2110 HV7563

WHY WE LOVE IT

Though Heuer is most famous for a suite of legendary chronographs including the Carrera, the Autavia, and the Monaco, the Swiss brand has plenty of other pieces in its vast catalog that are deserving of your attention.

One of the more interesting, under-the-radar models is a little-known chronograph from the early 2000s dubbed the ‘Targa Florio.’ Inspired — at least in look — by Heuer ‘flieger’ pilot’s watches from the 1930s, it took its name from the famed Italian road race in Sicily that was part of the World Sportscar Championship from 1955 through 1973. 

This race, which began in 1906 and ran through 1977, saw the participation of such legendary drivers as Stirling Moss and the Heuer-sponsored Jo Siffert. In 2001, TAG Heuer honored the race with the debut of the first-series Targa Florio within its ‘Classics’ collection, which included such watches as the midnight-blue TAG Heuer Monaco in ‘McQueen’ colors and the Calibre 36-powered version of the Monza.

This particular Targa Florio — a first-series watch — is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case with an acrylic crystal, a signed crown, a coin-edge bezel, and dual chronograph pushers. Designed in the style of a classic ‘flieger’ timepiece, said bezel frames a luminous, matte black dial with an outer 1/5th-seconds track, white ‘Arabic’ indices with a matching handset, and a dual-register chronograph layout with a date at 6:00 (unlike 1930s ‘flieger’ watches, which did not feature a date.).

Powering the watch is an TAG Heuer Calibre 17 automatic movement based upon the ETA 2894-2, while the included strap is a black leather affair with a signed, stainless steel deployant clasp. Unique and off the beaten path, this is a lovely example of early 21st-century TAG Heuer watchmaking, offering a strong build quality and value proposition.

If you’re looking for a chronograph that you won’t find on the wrists of a thousand other collectors, this one is it!

OVERALL CONDITION

The case is in very good condition overall showing normal signs of wear consistent with age and use. Luminous matte black dial with printed 'Arabic' indices is in outstanding condition with matching handset. Signed crown.