TAG Heuer Formula 1

TAG Heuer has once again revved its engines in the watchmaking world, launching a fresh lineup for its Formula 1 collection. Announced on April 1, 2025, this release isn't just about new watches; it's a nod to a significant piece of the brand's history, reimagined for today's audience. Nine new references join the grid, bringing updated designs, materials, and technology to a collection intrinsically linked with the fast-paced world of motorsport.



The connection between TAG Heuer and speed is deeply ingrained. Founded back in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in Switzerland's Jura Mountains, the company built a reputation for precision timing instruments. This expertise naturally led them into the realm of sports, particularly motorsports, where split-second accuracy is paramount. Over the decades, Heuer, and later TAG Heuer, became a familiar face in the paddock, timing races and forging partnerships with legendary teams and drivers.



1986 stands out as a pivotal year. It marked the official debut of the brand under the name TAG Heuer, following the acquisition of Heuer by Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG). This merger combined Heuer's watchmaking heritage with TAG's forward-thinking approach, setting the stage for innovation. It was also the year the original Formula 1 collection was launched, a series that broke the mold for Swiss watchmaking at the time.



The first TAG Heuer Formula 1 watches were unlike anything else in the luxury segment. They exploded onto the scene with vibrant colors and utilized materials like fiberglass for their cases, making them accessible, durable, and visually striking. These weren't just timepieces; they captured the energetic spirit of the 1980s and resonated strongly with a younger generation, often serving as an introduction to Swiss watch ownership for many enthusiasts who remember picking out their first brightly colored F1 model.



This initial collection perfectly encapsulated the new TAG Heuer strategy: a focus on performance, innovation, and a somewhat futuristic outlook that challenged traditional watch design. The brand's approach to product development, marketing, and sales shifted, and the Formula 1 line was central to this transformation, becoming a symbol of the revitalized company and its strong ties to the racing world.



Over the ensuing years, the Formula 1 collection has remained a cornerstone for TAG Heuer, continuously evolving while retaining its core identity. It has seen numerous iterations, special editions, and collaborations, including partnerships with entities like Kith and the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. Each step has added layers to its story, reinforcing its connection not just to the mechanics of racing but to the culture and thrill surrounding it.



TAG Heuer's role as the official timekeeper of Formula 1® further cements this bond. The brand's presence in the sport spans decades, from early sponsorships with Ferrari in the 1970s and McLaren in the 1980s to timing critical moments in modern races. The launch of these new Formula 1 models reaffirms this long-standing relationship, blending historical inspiration with contemporary design and technology.



The 2025 release comprises nine distinct models designed to appeal to a new generation while honoring the collection's roots. Three models form the core offering: one with a classic white opalin dial and black bezel (WBY1111.BA0042), another with a Deep Blue opalin dial and blue bezel (WBY1112.BA0042), both presented on a steel bracelet, and a third featuring a white opalin dial with a green bezel (WBY1113.BA0042), also on steel. These provide versatile, everyday options grounded in the collection's sporty aesthetic.



Complementing the core models are six limited editions, each boasting more vivid and specific color combinations tied to various Grand Prix events throughout the 2025 racing season. These include a black dial with red accents and a black DLC case on a black rubber strap (WBY1114.FT8084), a black dial with yellow highlights and a black DLC case on a yellow rubber strap (WBY1117.FT8087), and a white dial with red accents paired with a steel case, black bezel, and black racing rubber strap (WBY111A.FT8106).



Further limited editions feature cases made from an innovative material called TH-Polylight. One combines a red case with a green bezel and green rubber strap (WBY1160.FT8085), another pairs the red case with a black bezel and red rubber strap (WBY1161.FT8086), and the final variant features a blue case with a black bezel and blue rubber strap (WBY1162.FT8105). These editions offer bolder, lighter options that push the design language further.



A key update across the collection is the case size. Moving from the original 35mm diameter of the 1980s models, the new watches feature a more contemporary 38mm case. This size strikes a balance, offering presence on the wrist while remaining comfortable and suitable for a wide range of wearers. The design retains the distinctive "décroché" – notches between the lugs – a visual hallmark that connects these new pieces to their predecessors.



The cases themselves receive upgraded finishing. Options include sandblasted steel for a modern, matte look, and black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on steel for increased scratch resistance and a stealthier appearance. Ergonomics have been carefully considered, ensuring the watches sit comfortably despite their robust build. The overall proportions have been restructured to enhance both wearability and visual impact. With a lug-to-lug measurement of 45.2mm and a thickness of just 9.9mm, the watches maintain a relatively slim profile for a sports watch.



Visual details draw inspiration from the originals but are executed with modern refinement. The dials, primarily in white, black, or blue opalin finishes, serve as clean backdrops. A contrasting flange ring displays the 60-second/minute scale, adding a pop of color (red, white, blue, green, or yellow depending on the model) and enhancing the sporty feel. The iconic TAG Heuer shield logo is present, often printed in its green, red, and white iteration, or sometimes in black or white for contrast.



The hour markers represent a reinterpretation of the original shield shape but are now applied to the dial rather than printed, adding depth and a more premium feel. These markers, along with the reworked hour and minute hands, are treated with Super-LumiNova® for visibility in low light conditions, typically glowing green. The hands themselves have improved proportions and finishing compared to historical models. A date window is neatly positioned at 3 o'clock, maintaining functional practicality. Text on the dial indicates the collection name "FORMULA 1", the "SOLARGRAPH" movement, and "SWISS MADE".



Protecting the dial is a flat sapphire crystal, known for its high scratch resistance compared to the mineral glass or plastic crystals used on earlier F1 models. An anti-reflective treatment is applied to minimize glare and improve legibility. The cases feature a solid, screw-down case back, contributing to the 100-meter water resistance rating, making them suitable for swimming and surface water sports, though not for diving. A steel crown, located at the traditional 3 o'clock position, controls time and date settings.



A significant technical update is the introduction of the Calibre TH50-00 Solargraph movement across all nine models. This marks the first time the Formula 1 collection has featured this solar-powered quartz technology. The Solargraph system captures energy from both natural sunlight and artificial light sources. Impressively, just two minutes of direct sunlight exposure provides enough power for a full day's operation.



Once fully charged, which takes less than 40 hours in the sun, the Solargraph movement can run for up to 10 months without any further light exposure. Should the watch stop after prolonged storage in darkness, it requires only ten seconds of exposure to any light source to restart. This efficiency, combined with a battery designed to last around 15 years, offers substantial long-term reliability and convenience, eliminating the need for regular battery changes associated with standard quartz movements.



Another innovation appears in the bezel and select cases: TH-Polylight. This TAG Heuer proprietary material is noted for being lightweight and durable. Crucially, it allows for the creation of vibrant, consistent colors, as seen in the red and blue cased limited editions, and across all the bezel inserts. The bidirectional rotating bezel, retaining its distinctive F1 shape with grip notches, is crafted from this bio-polyamide material and features a 60-second/minute scale. TAG Heuer also notes that the sensory experience of rotating the bezel has been refined, producing a more satisfying mechanical sound and feel.



Versatility extends to the strap and bracelet options. The core models (WBY1111, WBY1112, WBY1113) come fitted with a sandblasted steel bracelet featuring a 3-row design. This bracelet has been redesigned for better articulation and a more fluid fit on the wrist. It secures with a steel folding clasp equipped with double safety push-buttons and includes an adjustment link extension for fine-tuning the fit. The clasp is engraved with the TAG Heuer logo.



The limited-edition models primarily utilize rubber straps chosen to match or contrast boldly with the dial and case colors. Options include black, yellow, green, red, and blue rubber straps, some embossed with the TAG Heuer logo, others featuring a "racing" style perforation pattern (WBY111A). These straps fasten with a pin buckle made from either steel or black DLC-coated steel, also bearing the TAG Heuer engraving. These rubber options enhance the sporty character and provide comfortable, durable alternatives to the steel bracelet.



The rollout of the new collection is strategically timed. The core models (WBY1111.BA0042 and WBY1112.BA0042) launched on April 1, 2025. The green-bezel core model (WBY1113.BA0042) is set for release around the Silverstone GP on July 4, 2025, with a pre-sale starting July 1st. Limited editions are linked to specific race weekends: Miami GP for the black/red DLC model (WBY1114.FT8084) on May 2nd, Barcelona GP for the white/red steel model (WBY111A.FT8106) on May 30th, Monza GP for the red TH-Polylight case models (WBY1160.FT8085 and WBY1161.FT8086) on September 5th, Singapore GP for the blue TH-Polylight case model (WBY1162.FT8105) on October 3rd, and Mexico GP for the black/yellow DLC model (WBY1117.FT8087) on October 24th. Each limited edition has a specific pre-sale date announced as well.



Regarding pricing, the models on the steel bracelet (WBY1111, WBY1112, WBY1113) carry an estimated Swiss Francs retail price of 1,850 CHF. The versions on rubber straps, including the DLC steel cases and the TH-Polylight cases (WBY1114, WBY1117, WBY111A, WBY1160, WBY1161, WBY1162), are estimated at 1,750 CHF. These prices position the collection as an accessible entry point into the TAG Heuer brand, consistent with the Formula 1 line's historical positioning, while reflecting the upgraded materials and the innovative Solargraph movement. Availability will be through TAG Heuer boutiques, select authorized dealers, and the brand's website in supported countries.



Case: All models feature a 38mm diameter case with a 45.2mm lug-to-lug distance and 9.9mm thickness. All include a bidirectional turning bezel made from bio-polyamide with a 60 second/minute scale, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, a steel crown at 3 o'clock, a screw-down caseback, and 100 meters water resistance. Case materials vary (sandblasted steel, black DLC steel, colored TH-Polylight).

Movement: All models utilize the Calibre TH50-00 Solargraph solar-powered quartz movement. Functions common to all are hours, minutes, seconds, and a date display.

Dial: All dials feature applied indexes and hour/minute hands treated with Super-LumiNova® (glowing green). All include a date window at 3 o’clock and printed text "FORMULA 1, SOLARGRAPH, SWISS MADE". Dial colors, flange colors, hand/index finishing, and logo colors vary between models.

Strap: Strap types vary across the collection; options include a sandblasted 3-row steel bracelet with a folding clasp or various colored rubber straps (standard, embossed, or racing style) with pin buckles.

Price: Estimated prices vary depending on the specific model and strap configuration, ranging from 1,750 CHF to 1,850 CHF.

Reference Number: WBY1111.BA0042, WBY1112.BA0042, WBY1113.BA0042, WBY1114.FT8084, WBY1117.FT8087, WBY111A.FT8106, WBY1160.FT8085, WBY1161.FT8086, WBY1162.FT8105

Notes: This new collection revives the Formula 1 line with an updated 38mm size and enhanced finishing. The introduction of the reliable Solargraph movement and lightweight TH-Polylight material (in bezels and select cases) are key technical highlights across the range. Release dates are staggered throughout 2025.