For vintage watch hunters, the original TAG Heuer Formula 1 from the 1980s has long represented something of a unicorn. Here was a legitimate luxury brand offering something bold, colorful, and – most surprisingly – affordable. The plastic-bezeled, quartz-powered pieces have become coveted finds on the secondary market, commanding prices that would have seemed ludicrous during their 1986-1990 production run. After teasing us with last year’s Kith collaboration and those track-side Formula 1 clocks, TAG Heuer has finally given the people what they want: a full-scale revival of the Formula 1 watch in all its colorful glory.
The Return of a Plastic Fantastic Legend
The original Formula 1 was TAG Heuer’s peculiar response to the Swatch phenomenon of the 1980s. While some designers point to Casio as the true inspiration, the mission was clear – create something fun, colorful, and accessible to bring new customers into the fold. Despite being named after motor racing, the Formula 1 was, rather confusingly, designed as a dive watch with a rotating bezel. This strange duality somehow worked, creating a versatile sports watch that became a cultural touchstone of the era.
Fast forward to 2025, and TAG Heuer is once again an official partner of Formula 1 racing. The timing couldn’t be better for the brand to resurrect its namesake collection, but rather than produce a simple reissue, they’ve given us something better – a thoroughly modern interpretation that maintains the playful spirit of the original while addressing its shortcomings.
Bigger, Better, Brighter
The new Formula 1 Solargraph collection retains the distinctive case shape of the original, with those characteristic shrouded lugs, but grows to a more contemporary 38mm diameter (up from the dainty 35mm of the ’80s version). The thickness has been kept in check at a svelte 9.9mm, ensuring a comfortable fit despite the increased diameter.
Where the new collection truly elevates beyond its predecessor is in material quality. The plastic bezels remain (now made from a proprietary material called TH-Polylight), but most models feature sandblasted stainless steel cases with significantly improved finishing. Three variants even feature full TH-Polylight cases in vibrant red or blue, channeling the unapologetic fun of the original plastic models.
The dials maintain a clear lineage to the ’80s versions but add applied indexes and refined handsets for improved legibility. The shield-shaped hour markers at 12, 6, and 9 are pure TAG Heuer DNA, while the contrasting minute tracks in various colors add that pop of personality the collection is known for. One deviation from the script is a variant with Arabic numerals instead of the shield markers, which actually references the second-generation Formula 1 design from the late ’90s.
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The most significant upgrade comes in the form of the Solargraph movement. TAG Heuer’s TH50-00 caliber (developed with La Joux-Perret) represents a massive improvement over the basic quartz movements of the originals. Using photovoltaic cells integrated into the dial, the movement harnesses light to charge a power cell that can run for up to 10 months on a full charge. Just two minutes of direct sunlight provides enough power for a full day of operation.
This solar technology is a brilliant match for a collection that was always about being worry-free and ready for adventure. No more battery changes every few years – TAG Heuer claims these movements should function trouble-free for at least 15 years. It’s the perfect modernization that doesn’t sacrifice the carefree spirit of the original Formula 1.
A Rainbow of Choices
TAG Heuer isn’t being shy with this launch, offering a whopping nine different references across the collection. Three will join the permanent lineup, while six will be limited editions released throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season, each timed to coincide with a specific Grand Prix.
The standard production models include a classic white dial with black bezel and red accents on a bracelet (WBY1111.BA0042), a blue dial and bezel version on a bracelet (WBY1112.BA0042), and an all-red TH-Polylight case with a red rubber strap (WBY1161.FT8086). The remaining six models are limited editions tied to specific races, with standouts including a green-bezeled version for Silverstone, a black DLC-coated case with yellow accents for Mexico, and a striking blue TH-Polylight case for Singapore.
Each watch comes on either a newly designed three-link bracelet with folding clasp or a color-matched rubber strap with a pin buckle. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer the understated elegance of steel or the bold statement of the color-cased versions.
Not Quite a Budget Option
If there’s one area where the new Formula 1 Solargraph diverges from its predecessor, it’s in pricing. While the originals were entry-level offerings, these new models command a more substantial CHF 1,750 (about $1,950) on a rubber strap or CHF 1,850 (about $2,050) on a bracelet.
This positioning reflects both the improved quality and TAG Heuer’s current market strategy. While not inexpensive, they remain among the more affordable offerings in the brand’s portfolio and represent a legitimate alternative to other sport-luxury options in the $2,000 range. The value proposition lies in the unique combination of heritage design, solar technology, and the Formula 1 connection that no other watch can claim.
Spec Sheet
Model: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Collection (Refs. WBY1111.BA0042, WBY1112.BA0042, WBY1113.BA0042, WBY1114.FT8084, WBY1117.FT8087, WBY111A.FT8106, WBY1160.FT8085, WBY1161.FT8086, WBY1162.FT8105)
Case Size: 38mm diameter × 45.2mm lug-to-lug × 9.9mm thickness
Case Material: Sandblasted stainless steel, black DLC-coated stainless steel, or TH-Polylight composite
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Movement: Solargraph TH50-00 solar-powered quartz
Power Reserve: Up to 10 months on full charge (40 hours exposure)
Crystal: Flat sapphire with antireflective coating
Bezel: 60-minute bezel in TH-Polylight
Dial Colors: Various (black, white, blue, etc.) with contrasting minute tracks
Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and indexes
Bracelet/Strap: Three-row stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp or rubber strap with pin buckle
Special Features: Solar charging (2 minutes of direct sunlight = 1 day of power)
Pricing & Availability
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph collection is launching in phases throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season. The first models are available starting April 2025, with others following at various Grand Prix events. Prices start at CHF 1,750 (approximately $1,950) for models on a rubber strap and CHF 1,850 (approximately $2,050) for those on a steel bracelet. Three references will be part of the permanent collection, while six are limited editions ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 pieces.
Recap
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Collection
TAG Heuer resurrects its iconic ’80s Formula 1 watch in a bigger 38mm size with solar-powered movement, improved materials, and nine vibrant colorways—three permanent and six limited editions tied to specific Grand Prix races—bringing retro charm and modern technology together in a $2,000 package that perfectly complements the brand’s return to Formula 1 sponsorship.
