For decades, watch collectors and enthusiasts have lusted after the
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series 1. This pioneering timepiece, first released in 1986, marked a pivotal moment in TAG Heuer’s history. It was the very first watch to bear the TAG Heuer name and quickly went on to become a massive success, selling over three million pieces. The Series 1 was not only stylish and bold but also the first premium composite quartz watch. This combination made it an accessible timepiece for a new generation of watch lovers.
After nearly 40 years, TAG Heuer has collaborated with lifestyle brand Kith to breathe new life into this beloved classic. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection blends TAG Heuer’s rich heritage with Kith’s fresh, contemporary vision. The result is a collection of ten limited-edition watches that capture the essence of the original while offering a range of exciting new features.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
The collaboration between TAG Heuer and Kith is a natural fit. Both brands are known for their innovation, dedication to quality, and unwavering commitment to their communities. TAG Heuer has a long and illustrious history in the watchmaking industry, while Kith is a progressive retail environment renowned for its unique collaborations and curated selection of apparel and footwear.
TAG Heuer’s decision to partner with Kith to revive the Formula 1 Series 1 shows a willingness to embrace the future while respecting the brand’s past. Kith’s founder, Ronnie Fieg, has a deep personal connection to the Series 1. In fact, the red and black model from the original series was his very first watch, igniting a lifelong passion for collecting high-end vintage timepieces. Fieg’s enthusiasm for the Formula 1 Series 1 was a driving force behind the Kith collaboration.
In crafting the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection, maintaining the essence of the original was paramount. TAG Heuer went to great lengths to ensure that the new iterations embody the spirit of the beloved original. They sourced the original supplier and the exact same mould used in 1986 to create the new watch cases. This commitment to authenticity is evident in the design of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection. The watches feature the same distinctive hour hand, a triangular index at 12 o’clock, alternating shield and dot indices, and a contrasting minute track as the original Series 1.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
However, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection is not simply a replica of the past. The new watches boast a number of modern upgrades, including a flat sapphire crystal and a comfortable rubber strap or a five-link stainless steel bracelet. The most striking update is undoubtedly the color palette. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection features a wide range of electrifying colors, from bold and playful to sophisticated and sleek. These vibrant colors are sure to turn heads and appeal to a new generation of watch collectors.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection is a dream come true for collectors. With only ten limited-edition models available, these watches are sure to be highly sought after. Each watch pays homage to a specific TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series 1 colorway or a Kith flagship store around the world. The Kith Miami, for example, features a sand-colored model with a pink dial, while the Kith Paris boasts a green bezel that nods to the green wall inside the store. These unique details add to the collectability of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith watches.
TAG Heuer went to great lengths to recapture the essence of the original Formula 1 for this collection. This commitment to authenticity is perhaps most evident in the case. TAG Heuer sourced the original supplier and the exact same mold used in 1986, ensuring that the case of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith watches is virtually indistinguishable from the original. The case measures a compact 35mm in diameter, offering a comfortable fit for a wide range of wrists.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
Several models in the collection feature a durable steel case, while others are made from Arnite, a lightweight composite material. Arnite was a novel material in the 1980s and perfectly captured the forward-thinking spirit of the original Formula 1. TAG Heuer’s use of Arnite in select Kith models further solidifies the collection’s connection to its historic roots.
The dials of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith watches are both functional and visually striking. Staying true to the original design, they feature the same distinctive hour hand, a triangle at 12 o’clock, alternating shield and dot indices, and a contrasting minute track. These elements provide excellent legibility, which watch collectors know is essential for a true sports watch.
While the Formula 1 | Kith models respect the classic layout of the original, they offer a range of exciting colors and textures. Some models feature clean, uncluttered dials with classic white or black backgrounds, while others boast bold, vibrant pinstripes. Collectors will also find a variety of case and bezel colors, including black, red, blue, yellow, and even sand. These diverse options ensure there’s something for everyone in the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection.
Unlike the original Formula 1 Series 1 watches, which used analog quartz movements, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith models feature updated digital quartz movements. Digital quartz movements are known for their exceptional accuracy and reliability. TAG Heuer’s decision to use quartz movements in the Kith collection is a nod to the popularity of quartz timepieces in the 1980s, the era when the original Formula 1 was born.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
One of the most striking features of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection is the collaborative logo, which features TAG Heuer's name and Kith's "Just Us” motto. In a bold departure from tradition, TAG Heuer has never fused its logo with a collaborative partner. This unprecedented move underscores the strength of the partnership between TAG Heuer and Kith, and it's sure to excite collectors and watch enthusiasts.
In addition to the ten main models in the collection, TAG Heuer and Kith are releasing some truly special limited editions. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith Collector’s Set includes all 10 watches from the collection and is limited to just 75 units worldwide. These sets will certainly attract serious collectors seeking to own a complete piece of TAG Heuer and Kith history.
TAG Heuer is also releasing two additional models exclusively available at select TAG Heuer boutiques. These feature sandblasted black PVD steel cases with vibrant green or blue rubber straps. These limited-edition models are sure to be highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the stealthy aesthetic of blacked-out timepieces.
Beyond the watches themselves, TAG Heuer and Kith have gone to great lengths to create a unique and immersive experience for collectors. The release of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection is coinciding with the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami, a fitting backdrop for a collection inspired by a watch made famous by racing drivers. TAG Heuer and Kith are launching the collection early at their respective Miami stores ahead of the global launch date. These early releases promise to create a true frenzy among racing enthusiasts and watch collectors.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
To further commemorate the launch, TAG Heuer and Kith have created a custom book that shares the story of both brands' renowned histories and offers a complete look at the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection. This book will be included with each watch purchase, providing collectors with a valuable keepsake.
Pricing is set at $1,500 for individual watches which each have their own number of pieces being produced. The complete set is priced at $18,000 and is limited to 75 pieces.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection is a testament to the enduring power of collaboration. By tapping Kith’s contemporary vision, TAG Heuer has successfully rejuvenated a beloved classic. The collection is a vibrant celebration of watchmaking history, modern design, and the shared passion of two innovative brands striving to push boundaries. And with only a limited number available, these watches are sure to be coveted by collectors for years to come.