In the 1980s, the original TAG Heuer Formula 1 became a global hit thanks to its innovative design. In 2024, the original model was reissued in collaboration with Kiss, and finally, in April 2025, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph, which faithfully inherits the original design, was released. What exactly is this watch with a design that evokes the '80s? Daniela Push, editor-in-chief of the German edition of WatchTime, takes a closer look.
Pre-orders for the Ref. WBY1117.FT8087, featuring a black dial and yellow bezel, will begin on October 21, 2025, at 10:00 PM JST, on the official online store. This is a preview of the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix. (Caliber TH50-00). It runs for approximately 10 months on a full charge. Stainless steel case (38mm diameter, 9.9mm thick). Water resistant to 100m. Estimated price: 269,500 yen (tax included).
Text by Daniela Pusch
[Article published on January 15, 2025]
The Tag Heuer Formula 1 is back!
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection embodies motorsport DNA. It brings the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph, with its colorful and distinctive design, into modern times as a homage to the legendary original TAG Heuer Formula 1 from the 1980s.
With a newly designed 38mm case (compared to the original 34mm), improvements for increased wearability, a striking color palette, and, for the first time in the series, a cutting-edge light-powered movement, TAG Heuer was making a new start in the world of motorsport watches.
The original Formula 1 from the 1980s is now a fanatically collected watch icon, and the quartz models with resin-coated cases from that time have fetched unexpectedly high prices on the secondary market, making them a bargain that would have been unimaginable back in the 80s.
It's still fresh in our memory that in 2024, in collaboration with select shop and fashion brand Kiss, they updated and reissued the 1986 model. Then, after the automatic TAG Heuer Formula 1, which was redesigned with a racing spirit, TAG Heuer has finally redesigned the original Formula 1.
Nearly 40 years after the launch of the original, this new model retains the spirit of the 80s while evolving into a more refined and authentic design language, which is fitting given the company's deepened ties to motorsport as the official timekeeper of F1.
A changing icon
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 story began in 1986. After the merger with Techniques d'Avant-Garde, the brand faced the need to set a new standard in watchmaking during the heyday of quartz.
With its vibrant design and unwavering ties to motorsports, this watch quickly became a "culture watch" that transcended generations upon its release, garnering explosive support.
The regular model has a silver-colored stainless steel case with a metal bracelet. It features solar quartz movement (Cal. TH50-00). It lasts for approximately 10 months on a full charge. It has a stainless steel case (38mm diameter, 9.9mm thick). It's water resistant to 100m. It's priced at 286,000 yen (tax included).
The nine new models, unveiled in April 2025, perfectly capture the energy and dynamism of Formula 1. Three models with black, white, and blue dials will appear in the regular line, each with a stainless steel bracelet. In addition, six limited edition models will be added, featuring bold color combinations such as black and red, blue and black, and white and green.
Advance reservations will begin on the official online store on October 21, 2025, at 10:00 PM Japan Standard Time, ahead of the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix. Solar quartz (Cal. TH50-00). Approximately 10 months of operation on a full charge. Stainless steel case (38mm diameter, 9.9mm thick). 100m water resistant. Estimated price: 269,500 yen (tax included).
TAG Heuer "TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph" (2th from the left) Ref. WBY1162.FT8105
Solar quartz (Cal. TH50-00). Approximately 10 months of operation on a full charge. TH-Polylite case (38mm diameter, 9.9mm thick). 100m water resistant. 269,500 yen (tax included).
TAG Heuer "TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph" (third from the left) Ref. WBY1111.BA0042
Solar quartz (Cal. TH50-00). Approximately 10 months of operation on a full charge. Stainless steel case (38mm diameter, 9.9mm thick). 100m water resistant. 286,000 yen (tax included).
TAG Heuer "TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph" (4th from the left) Ref. WBY1161.FT8086
Solar quartz (Cal. TH50-00). Approximately 10 months of operation on a full charge. TH-Polylite case (38mm diameter, 9.9mm thick). 100m water resistant. 269,500 yen (tax included).
TAG Heuer "TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph" (5th from the left) Ref. WBY1160.FT8085
Solar quartz (Cal. TH50-00). Approximately 10 months of operation on a full charge. TH-Polylite case (38mm diameter, 9.9mm thick). 100m water resistant. 269,500 yen (tax included).
Both models retain the original Formula 1 design, with the bezel separated from the case, creating a slightly floating appearance. Ergonomic improvements have also been made to ensure a more comfortable fit. The three-dimensional Super-LumiNova luminescent indexes and polished hands ensure excellent visibility in any environment. The case diameter is slightly larger at 38mm, and it features a date display at 3 o'clock.
Innovation and Performance
For the first time in its Formula 1 collection, TAG Heuer has equipped its latest solar-powered "Solargraph" movement with a movement that can generate power from both sunlight and artificial light, and can store enough power for approximately one day with just two minutes of direct sunlight.
When fully charged, it can operate for approximately 10 months without light, and can be restarted by shining light on it for approximately 10 seconds even after it has completely stopped. What's more, the lifespan of the storage cell is said to be approximately 15 years.
But the evolution doesn't stop on the inside: refined proportions, revised lug shapes, an integrated crown guard, and premium finishes make this watch look more modern than ever.
The wide, highly luminous hands and three-dimensional applied indexes accentuate the bold look of Formula 1. The exterior finish, which combines matte and polished finishes, creates a more complex and sophisticated look.
The dial finish also represents a new approach. While the first model was matte and simple, the dial of this model has a finish that gives off a delicate nuance of light.
Generally, limited edition models are fitted with rubber straps, but there are also regular models that use rubber straps. However, the bracelet on the regular model has been replaced with a strap designed to resemble a tire, which is different in design from the strap on the limited edition model. It is also worth noting that some of the indexes are Arabic numerals. Solar quartz (Cal. TH50-00). Runs for approximately 10 months on a full charge. Stainless steel case (38mm diameter, 9.9mm thick). Water resistant to 100m. 269,500 yen (tax included).
Even more noteworthy is the use of a new material, TH-Polylite. Lightweight, highly durable, and available in an almost limitless range of colors, this material is used in the new bidirectional rotating bezel, which produces a more precise click and a refined mechanical sound when rotating. This can be seen as a tribute to the Formula 1 series, a symbol of classic motorsport.
Actually worn!
Available in matte stainless steel or TH-Polylite, the 38mm case pays homage to the original while offering a significantly improved wearing comfort. Despite its larger size compared to the original's small proportions, the watch still feels light and compact.
