Introducing the New TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watches

The Low down

To celebrate the commencement of the 2021 Formula 1 season, TAG Heuer has launched four new references in its conveniently monikered Formula 1 range. The watches also borrow the recently introduced asphalt-esque dial finish that was used on the Porsche X TAG Heuer Carrera watch. A chronograph and a dive-style watch in eye-catching colourways will be perfect for young motorsport enthusiasts and those looking for a fun pop of colour for summer.

First launched in 1986, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 was a watch that a lot of watch collectors of my age cut their teeth on. I’ve commented on this before, but both George Bamford and I have a sentimental place in our hearts for the original plastic F1s in the rubber straps. In fact, Mrs Bamford collects them and alongside my vintage Air King and Omega Seamaster dress watch, a blue and black TAG Heuer Formula 1 was my first ‘proper’ sports watch. It is the dive-style watch in this line-up that most resembles those early pieces, with the 2021 version sporting a textured orange dial, with applied 12 and 6 arabic hour markers and a rotating bezel. The 43mm steel case has a screw-down black PVD coated crown and the bezel is black ceramic. The sporty looks continue with a black nylon strap.

The new collection in tangerine orange and lime yellow is inspired by the vibrant colours from TAG Heuer’s first Formula 1 series introduced in 1986.
The new collection in tangerine orange and lime yellow is inspired by the vibrant colours from TAG Heuer’s first Formula 1 series introduced in 1986.

The other three watches are chronographs. In a similar 43mm steel case, all the watches have black PVD coated screw-down crowns and chrono pushers. The ceramic fixed tachymeter bezel is black with white numerals and ‘TACHYMETRE’ in either orange or yellow, depending on the dial. The dials are grey with black subdials with the grey having the tarmac-effect textured finish as a nod to its namesake. Applied hour markers, hands and dial highlights are in either vivid orange or yellow. Both colourways are available on a steel bracelet with the yellow iteration also coming on a nylon strap should you prefer a more rugged look.

The novelties include three chronographs and a three-hand model offered on a 43 mm steel case and ceramic bezel.
The novelties include three chronographs and a three-hand model offered on a 43 mm steel case and ceramic bezel.
The novelties include three chronographs and a three-hand model offered on a 43 mm steel case and ceramic bezel.

IMHO

TAG Heuer has the right to call its watches what it pleases, but it is perfectly legitimate to borrow the name of the world’s most important motor series, as the brand has a long heritage in the sport. As early as 1968, Jack Heuer signed a sponsorship deal with driver Jo SIffert and TAG Heuer is still the official timekeeper of the Monaco Grand Prix and the Automobile Club de Monaco. I like the chronos, but it is the three-hander that makes me reminisce back to those early days of loving watches and seeing the original Formula 1 TAGs on the wrists of the cool kids growing up. And who doesn’t love a grey and orange racing chrono? Totally classic and timeless as a colour scheme it works well on the new Formula 1. Truly racy!

The bright colours and asphalt-effect dial lend these watches a fresh urban look.
The bright colours and asphalt-effect dial lend these watches a fresh urban look.
The bright colours and asphalt-effect dial lend these watches a fresh urban look.

Tech Specs

Movements:
Three-hander and Chronos: Quartz
Case and Dial:
Three-hander: 43mm steel case with PVD coated screw-down crown and ceramic unidirectional bezel. Orange textured dial.
Chronos: 43mm steel case with PVD coated screw-down crown and pushers. Ceramic fixed tachymeter bezel. Grey textured dial with yellow or orange highlights.
Strap:
Three-hander: Black nylon strap
Chronos: Steel bracelet or black nylon strap option on yellow version.
Availability:
Three-hander available now in a limited run of 4000 pieces. Yellow chronograph on black strap available now. Chronographs on bracelets available April 2021.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watches
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watches
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watches
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watches
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watches
return-to-top__image
Back to Top