TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watches

This TAG Heuer watch family line took its inspiration from Formula 1 race and became a success of the Swatch watch. Although it was not as pocket-friendly as the Swatch, yet it made use of the similar ideological templates which included synthetic case, vibrant colors, inexpensive movements and simple techniques for sales packaging so as to attract the buyers to retain to the Swiss watches.

Heuer was a sponsor of Ferrari in 1970s and it became an official supplier of Formula one between 1992 and 2003. Thus, due to its link, it named its collection as Formula 1. In spite of the success of the F1 series, one of the major decision taken by the LVMH management team was to stop its production. This took place in the year 2000 because the low-cost F1 did not really fit well with the plans of LVMH for taking the brand up-market.

Although it was brought back in the market within a couple of years and since then it has been achieving an enormous amount of success. So let's take a deeper look at some of its releases.

The first generation of TAG Formula 1 was designed by Eddy Burgener who made use of a creative case which was constructed using a mixture of stainless steel and its inner case was coated with Fibreglass. It was made available in two sizes - 28 mm and 34 mm accompanied in brightly colored cases matching with its plastic straps that could be adjusted in size. The only similarily present between the F1 series with its ancestors were its Mercedes-style hands that were used on the Diver series.

Furthermore, this range was expanded in the year 1987, that came with a stainless steel case along with a bracelet which was offered in a wide range of color choices. The Fibreglass models were manufactured till 1993/94 and till this date, they stand out as the signature collection of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 series. The initial releases were equipped with either a Harley Ronda SA 705 movement or an ESA 965.312 module, whereas the latter ones featured the ETA 955.412/ 955.414 movement.

The First generation of TAG Heuer Formula 1 chronograph was introduced under the ref. 470.513. It was built keeping up with the spirit of sporting theme and was powered by a complicated mechanical-quartz movement which was innovated by Ronda. Released in the year 1989, these TAG Heuer timepieces were equipped with an unusual date function on the 6 o’clock marker, elapsed minutes at 3 o’clock and Chrono. seconds at 9 o’clock.

The second generation of TAG Heuer chronograph was introduced in the year 1991 with an alluring yet more classical dial that was equipped with an upgraded ETA 251.262 1/10th Chronograph movement. The dials that were manufactured between 1991 to 1995 had "1/10th" under the TAG Heuer logo and "Chronograph" at 9 o'clock whereas the ones released from 1996-98 had a changed layout.

After a period of twelve years, in 1998, it released a new TAG Heuer Formula 1 series which was an upgraded version of the TAG Heuer Chronograph model. It made use of the same case design but was equipped in different dials. It had acquired more modern looks and had a changed triangular hand for both - the time as well as Chronograph hands.

Later, in the year 2000, the TAG Heuer F1’s series was discontinued but after a break of four years, it was bought back in 2004 with a brand new design and enhanced material. This Series 3 of Formula One displayed a titanium-carbide coated steel bezel, 316L steel case and a sapphire crystal. Along with the metal look, it also featured numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.

Over the period of time, the TAG Formula 1watch has become more innovative and creative. Two of its distinguished models are - TAG Heuer formula 1 calibre 16 and TAG Heuer formula 1 calibre 5. These are the watches that are not powered by the Quartz movement, representing a change in the positioning of the Formula 1 series. The TAG Heuer Calibre 16 was released in three ranges - two stainless steel and ceramic model along with the bright Orange model that highlights a titanium carbide coating on a stainless steel case featuring a case size of 44 mm. Whereas the TAG Heuer Calibre 5 is presented in 41 mm powered by an automatic movement which otherwise is known as the ETA 2824-2.

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 has always established itself as the sporting yet a modest model in the TAG Heuer range. It is combined with the fact that TAG Heuer timepieces has won many awards and are installed with the true credibility of being the Formula 1 watch from the minute it was launched. Along with its wide range of selection, TAG Heuer timepieces offers a range of style that is ready-to-go with all the occasion.