Yes, as proved by similar watches selling for...$500:

 

If you held both watches in your hand the TAG blows the Hammy out of the water on fit and finishing. Nothing wrong with the Hammy but not in the same league IMO

Yes, as proved by similar watches selling for...$500:

View attachment 5671450

 

It's something more and a watch is more than just a movement. Even from your pics you can tell that one uses AR coatings and one doesn't. But it's all open to debate and in the eye of the beholder, as it is for every other watch (ETA/Sellita powered or not) priced above entry level. Some will find minor differences (and the brand) worth paying extra for, others will not.

 

"500", maybe 20 years ago.

 

Thoughts on this comparison, with the TAG costing 4x or more?

 

If you can buy a watch like that for 500 and I mean like that which would mean made by Tag Heuer, let me know. I have tried them on many times and will one day buy one. Until then I'm wearing an Omega Aqua Terra which is just a dressed up Seiko 5 that I should have been able to buy for 250.00 but alas they were not available at that price.

The Carrera is one of the most refined and beautiful watches Tag ever has offered IMO but if the 1555.00 Jomashop price is too much to bear you'll be left only to disparage the watch and not own one. I would start saving now if I were you, they're worth it.

 

That Tag is an awesome watch. Nothing against the Hamilton but it lacks the finish and figment of the Tag. Just look at the Tag's lugs - they are to die for!

NM

 

I felt that my first reply was a bit harsh so I've come back to add...............

I am a fishing guide and I participate on a fly fishing forum. Often there are posts where a particular fly reel that sells for say 5 - 700 dollars gets called out and a comparison to lesser priced reels is highlighted. In the end it comes down to are you willing to throw down the bucks to own what you want or not.

I consider a watch like the Carrera in question a reasonable buy at 1555.00 but would not pay AD price for one. I admire the Rolex watches but they are not in my pay grade. That doesn't affect my admiration of them and I would never compare them to other watches. This is a hobby that requires that you be willing to commit money if you want something nice. I have 2 Tah Heuer watches and both are very well made pieces. The Carrera Calibre 5 with black dial will be the last watch I buy. When that happens I'll feel that I have a watch for any occasion and they will all be quality pieces of work.

Oh, and comparing the Carrera to a Seiko is way off the mark, you need to go see and try on a Carrera I believe. You may be the type person who will be happy with the Seiko, I don't know you. However I will hazard a guess that even if you buy the Seiko you will always wish it were a Tag Heuer Carrera.

 

Thank you. It was not harsh at all. I appreciate your thoughts.

 

Hamilton is not really in the same tier as Tag and the watch shows. I'd compare it to Longines etc. I think Tag is generally a bit overpriced but there are some nice designs. I personally have a Carrera Twin Time and it is a great watch.