We’ve covered some distinctly sporty watches previously, like the retro digital sport watch. And today, we’re gonna go back to no man’s land once again, with the racing watch. But what exactly is a “racing” watch, I hear you ask?… Well, it’s a chronograph watch that features a tachymeter. There are other chronograph watches that aren’t racing watches. To qualify as a racing watch you’re gonna need a tachymeter built into the watch, usually on a fixed bezel. And for today’s example, we’re gonna take a look at the Tag Heuer Link Calibre 16.

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Tag Heuer Link Chronograph, A Typical Racing Watch
Tag Heuer is an established Swiss watch brand with a very long horological history… But no, we’re not dipping our toes into that history today… The Tag Heuer Link is a series of watches, built around a unique bracelet design. And for this episode, we’re specifically looking at the Tag Heuer Link Calibre 16 Chronograph (Ref No. CJF2115). Henceforth, we shall call it the “Link 16”. Anyway, the Link’s unique feature is, well, the links… Specifically, the links of the bracelet. And the Link 16 shares the same unique links too.

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Dressing The Racing Watch
The Link 16 is, without a doubt, a sport watch, both design and purpose. Specifically, a racing watch. However, just like the dressy dive watch, the Link 16 is also somewhat dressy looking too. Hence, I expect it to suit up rather well too. So let’s run it through the formality spectrum to see just how well it holds up :-
(1) Business Formal

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NO – The Link 16 may look a little dressy for a sport watch, that’s a given. But it’s a sport watch through and through. All the sub-dials and tachymeter on the bezel lend to it being too busy to look dressy. Just stick to classic dress watches whenever you suit up.
(2) Business Semi-Formal

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Generally, It’s still a NO – You’re still pretty dressy to pair with any sport watches. But if you dare to bend the rules just a little, you may still get away with the Link 16. Anything less dressy looking than the Link 16, say a stereotypical racing watch, then no. Personally, I’d stay clear, even with this smart looking Link 16.
(3) Business Informal

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YES – Now I’m starting to get a little more comfortable pairing with a racing watch. After all, the modern blazer descended from sporting apparels. Specifically for above water sporting activities. Hence, sport watches with blazers go hand-in-hand.
(4) Business Casual

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A definite YES – This is definitely the sweet spot for the racing watch, even a stereotypical racing watch.
(5) Dressy Casual

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YES – No argument from me. Go ahead and pair this racing watch, any racing watch, with this outfit.
(6) Just Casual

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MAYBE – Now we’re getting a little too casual for comfort, pairing with a racing watch… Definitely not for the Link 16, but perhaps a more rugged and/or stereotypical looking racing watch?
The Racing Watch’s Natural Habitat
Make no mistake, a racing watch is still very much a sport watch. It’s still very much a form follows function formula. The Link 16 is merely a more polished, dressier version, of the typical racing watch. And for me personally, I’ll wear it with a blazer any day…

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Disclaimer – This Watch Is A Loaner Unit
This Link 16 belongs to a personal a friend of mine, who graciously requested to remain anonymous. Henceforth, we shall just call him Mr X. Anyway, Mr X is also a fellow horology enthusiast, and owns several other interesting watches too. With luck, he might agree to loan me his other watches to feature in future episodes.
If you like what you read here, you can buy me a coffee, and support me to write future episodes. Can’t deny it, caffeine really drives all the research for every episode we publish. Anyway, leave your comments and questions below. And come back for the next episode. We’ve got a real oxymoron of a watch – the luxury digital watch…