TAG Heuer has launched a duo of distinctive new watches from the Carrera line that make for covetable gifting this festive season. The Swiss watchmaker has taken its flagship collection and chosen the most elegant three-hander with date in 18ct rose gold and steel and elevated the luxury statement by almost completely setting it with diamonds. This shining, sophisticated model measures a petite 29mm, and retains the signature design cues that define a Carrera: pure lines, uncluttered dial, faceted lugs and H-shaped bracelet, and it’s powered by the Calibre 9 automatic movement. Its refined good looks are enhanced by the radiance of more than 700 diamonds, totalling 3.9cts. This exclusive edition is being produced in limited quantities for TAG Heuer boutiques and, once gone, the jewellery watch can be made to order. It’s the first time the brand has added an extensively paved watch of this size to its collections and it makes a bold and sparkling statement.

The second new Carrera is what TAG Heuer calls ‘the ultimate driver’s watch’, returning with even more elegance in a black and gold execution, taking inspiration from an iconic racing livery to augment the collection’s relationship with motorsports. Specifically, it references the John Player Special livery that became synonymous in the ’70s and ’80s with motorsports wins – and also with TAG Heuer ambassador and world champion Ayrton Senna, whose Lotus sported the same two-tone palette at the start of his career.

The chronograph chosen by some of F1’s greatest teams and drivers was launched in 1963 and then-CEO Jack Heuer presented the watches to many successful drivers. Highly collectable, the chronograph has been made in many expressions. This new urbane yellow gold version with its deep black sunray dial and golden gilded subdials builds on the rich bloodline of racing timepieces. Its 42mm case is made from solid 18ct yellow gold with gold pushers and crown, and it’s driven by the in-house movement the Calibre Heuer 02, with an 80-hour power reserve. The stylish design embodies the glamour and thrills of racing in the ’70s in a contemporary piece that is confident, elegant and sophisticated, and brims with character.

These two new cosmopolitan timepieces make a very handsome couple, and they’ll make a very handsome couple happy come Christmas. And to make each watch a very personal gift, remember TAG Heuer offers a complimentary engraving service to add a name, initials or date for that extra special touch.

The Carrera Date with pavé, £44,600; the Carrera Chronograph, £17,850; tagheuer.com