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TAG Heuer’s latest Formula 1 refresh blends the collection’s colourful 1986 spirit with modern materials and solar-powered convenience. From the versatile steel Silverstone GP to the lightweight, vibrant TH-Polylight Monza GP, these watches show that racing DNA can still be fun, practical, and stylish!

The story of TAG Heuer and Formula 1 is one of new beginnings. A tale that starts not in a quiet Swiss valley, but on the screaming straights of Monaco, Silverstone, and Suzuka. The story goes all the way back to 1986, when the watchmaker, now freshly going under the wing of Techniques d’Avant Garde, forming TAG Heuer, built a timepiece that matched the energy of the sport that it sponsored: light, colourful, and unafraid to stand out.

The Formula 1 collection was released during a time of turbulence for the Swiss watch industry. Coming off the back of the Quartz crisis, the Swiss watch industry was under pressure to capture the attention of new buyers. With Formula 1 being a popular motorsporting event, TAG Heuer created the perfect entry-level, high-impact collection that would attract younger buyers.

Featuring a bold design and reliable quartz movement, the first-generation TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection was presented in a range of vibrant colours such as red, yellow, green, blue, orange, black, and white. These colours were far bolder than your typical Swiss watch at the time, with the various colours taking inspiration from motorsport liveries and sponsorship colours. The orange colour, for example, was a reference to TAG Heuer and McLaren’s partnership that started in 1985. With how fun and affordable these Formula 1 timepieces were, they became a cult classic over time, with the vibrant colours and fibreglass construction of the case evoking feelings of nostalgia.

Over time, TAG Heuer updated the Solargraph models to feature chronograph functionality, a necessary complication back then in the world of motorsport. The aesthetics of the models gradually changed as well, with TAG Heuer offering larger sizes to cater to a market that wanted bigger chronographs on the wrist, while also featuring steel case designs as opposed to the original fibreglass-reinforced cases. The bright, playful colours of the 1980s gradually gave way to more subdued, metallic tones as TAG Heuer shifted the Formula 1 line toward a more traditional sports-luxury look.

Regardless of these changes, the Formula 1 collection remained as popular as ever, and what also helped push the popularity even further was seeing it on the wrists of motorsporting icons such as Aryten Senna. You can see the Formula 1 Chronograph in red on the wrist of Senna as he celebrated winning the Driver’s World Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka in October 1991.

On top of this, the team members of the McLaren racing team were frequently seen wearing the same red Formula 1 Chronograph models. This visibility cemented the collection’s place as the motorsport watch of its era. Seeing the bright red chronographs not only on Senna’s wrist but also on the entire McLaren team created an unmistakable association between TAG Heuer and Formula 1 success.

Fast-forward to today, and the new-generation Formula 1 line is once again enjoying the same success. In 2024, TAG Heuer partnered with Kith, the lifestyle brand and specialty retailer, to revitalize the Formula 1 collection. Launched in Miami ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, the TAG Heuer x Kith collection featured ten timepieces, with varying limited-edition quantities for each model. Available in either steel or rubber straps, seven of the ten models were dedicated to a different city in which Kith has a store. This return of the Formula 1 collection wasn’t just a nostalgia play; it was a strategic move to reintroduce the watch’s original energy to a new generation of enthusiasts.

On the back of the success of the TAG Heuer x Kith Formula 1 collection, TAG Heuer this year unveiled an all-new set of Formula 1 models. The release comprises nine timepieces in total: three forming the permanent collection and six offered as limited editions. What stands out to me is that, unlike the Kith release last year, each model is dedicated to a different circuit on the Formula 1 calendar, keeping the theme of every watch squarely within the world of Grand Prix racing. Adding to the exclusivity, the watches weren’t launched all at once but became available in conjunction with their respective races (for example, the Monza editions opened for purchase during the Monza GP). For a full rundown of each timepiece and its availability, click the link below.

TAG Heuer Brings Fresh Energy To The Formula 1 Collection

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Initial Impressions

The model I chose for the review was the steel Silverstone GP limited-edition, with a white dial and green bezel. The green stood out to me immediately from the steel range in this latest Formula 1 collection as it presents a vibrant aesthetic that’s different from the normal red, blue, and black colourways. It’s a colourway that feels both fresh and nostalgic, referencing classic racing liveries while standing apart from the more conventional colours in the line. The steel models also offer everyday wearability, a fantastic option that you can even wear to the office without it screaming for attention!

While it’s not the centre-piece of this review, I also chose the more vibrant red Monza GP edition as a secondary piece. This way, I could compare two very different personalities within the same line. The fresh green-bezel Silverstone GP edition and the bold, high-octane red Monza GP edition, and see how each expresses the Formula 1 DNA on the wrist.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Case Design

TAG Heuer offers three different case materials for this 2025 Formula 1 Solargraph collection. Presented in either steel with a sandblasted finish, black DLC steel with a sandblasted finish, or red/blue bio-polyamide case, each case construction provides a different feel on the wrist, whilst also having drastically different aesthetic personalities.

Personally, I found the steel with a three-link steel bracelet option to be the most versatile, allowing for a more “wearable” experience while also being able to match with almost any outfit quite easily. At 38mm in diameter and only 9.9mm thick, the watch wears far slimmer and more compact than most racing-inspired watches, giving it the everyday practicality you don’t expect from a Formula 1 model.

All three steel editions come with a sand-blasted finish, which removes the elegance and luxury appearance you get from the traditional polished finishes to a more industrial look, giving the perfect aesthetic for a motorsport-inspired timepiece. The cases also feature a unique design, where the lugs step away from the mid-case in a sharp, angular break. This standout architectural design gives the watch a purposeful stance and has been a hallmark feature of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 timepieces since its earliest days.

This Silverstone GP edition features the TH-Polylight in a beautiful shade of green that complements the sand-blasted case nicely. The use of the TH-Polylight (bio-polyamide composite) is a great addition, and is almost like a modern reinterpretation of the older fibreglass/composite aesthetic found on the original Formula 1 watches. On the wrist, it gives the bezel a lighter, slightly softer feel compared to steel or ceramic, and the material also allows TAG Heuer to achieve those vivid colours without adding bulk.

In contrast, the TH-polylight cases, such as the red Monza GP edition seen above, make the watch feel lighter and more playful on the wrist. The different colours of this Formula 1 collection that’s used for the TH-Polylight cases, especially the red and yellow models, present a more youthful and bolder presence on the wrist. These, for me, are essentially the “summer” editions of the Formula 1 collection, not just for the colour, but also because of the scorching Australian summer; they will offer a more relaxed wearing experience. Because TH-Polylight is a bio-polyamide composite rather than steel, the case feels warmer, lighter, and less ‘cold’ on the skin, giving a more comfortable experience in summer.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Dial Design

The heart and soul of the Formula 1 collection lies in the dial and its vibrant colour options. Not only is the dial aesthetically executed, but it is also engineered for function, as the solar cells beneath the translucent dial convert light into energy to keep the watch running.

TAG Heuer has followed on from the success of the Kith Formula 1 collection and has utilised the same dial setup, which includes the TAG Shield logo in place of the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock hour markers, TAG Heuer logo, and the heritage-inspired hands, which is a fantastic throwback to the original design of the Formula 1 collection. The dial layout not only reinforces the collection’s racing-inspired DNA but also enhances legibility at a glance, thanks to the large indices and contrasting dial colors.

The dial of the green Silverstone GP edition is personally my favourite of the three steel editions. The white opaline dial offers a more subtle and, in my opinion, wearable aesthetic than the bolder colourways. Compared to the white of the Miami GP edition, I find this timepiece a lot more coherent, as the green of the minute track matches nicely with the green of the bezel. While it may be unintentional, the green also references TAG Heuer’s logo nicely, tying the whole design together in a way that feels deliberate and harmonious.

This subtle nod to the brand’s signature green colour does give the Silverstone GP edition its own identity within the Formula 1 line. This does make it feel like it’s less like another variant and more like a piece with considered design in the Formula 1 story. This is certainly a small detail, but to me it’s exactly the colour coordination that makes the model stand out much more compared to the other steel editions.

Calibre TH50-00 Solargraph Movement

The engine sitting inside the Formula 1 models is TAG Heuer’s Calibre TH50-00 Solargraph movement. I personally think that for a quartz watch, a solar-powered calibre is the best choice: it delivers the accuracy and low maintenance of a quartz movement, while removing the nuisance of periodic battery changes. What would normally require a replacement every two or three years is now effectively negated, as the movement runs purely on light.

The Calibre TH50-00 is also impressively efficient. The movement only needs just one minute of exposure to light to power the watch for a full 24 hours, and around 40 hours of light exposure to power the watch for a maximum 10-month autonomy. In reality, however, the power reserve will continually top itself as you wear the watch on a regular basis, so there’s no need for manual winding that you find on mechanical watches, or charging rituals, just simply strap it on and go. On the off chance that the timepiece has been sitting idle, a mere 10 seconds of light exposure will bring the watch back to life!

If you are also environmentally conscious, the solargraph movement is perfect to consider, as the lack of a battery means less impact on the environment, as there are no battery changes required on the watch. Combined with the vibrant, motorsport-inspired designs, the Solargraph calibre makes the Formula 1 not just a nod to TAG Heuer’s past, but a genuinely forward-looking sports watch.

How Does It Wear?

With a case diameter of 38mm and a thickness of just 9.9mm, this latest collection of Formula 1 models wears exceptionally well on the wrist, exactly what you’d hope from a collection that’s designed to be fun, compact, and easy to wear. The timepieces keep a compact and low-profile on the wrist, mimicking the low-on-the-ground Formula 1 cars the watches are based on.

The steel models, in my opinion, are still the most versatile, as they offer more wearability compared to the black DLC or TH-Polylight models. The steel models can match with almost any outfit, and are also a piece you can wear comfortably as a daily, whether it’s to the office or just running daily chores. The three-link steel bracelet feels secure on the wrist, with enough flexibility to stay comfortable throughout the day. The sandblasted finish of the bracelet also lends to the industrial look of the timepiece. Combined with the compact 38 mm diameter and slim 9.9 mm thickness, the steel versions strike a perfect balance between sporty presence and everyday practicality.

As mentioned earlier, the steel green Silverstone GP edition is the most refined out of the three steel models in my eyes. While the blue and black are the more traditional colours, the green TH-Polylight bezel injects a fresh splash of colour without being too overwhelming. The white opaline dial certainly helps to neutralise the “vibrancy” of the green, with the overall aesthetic being one that feels like it just has the right amount of colour. As seen above, the green Silverstone GP edition matches nicely with the more formal attire with a green blazer, just as much as it does with the green bomber jacket shown below.

This versatility is what sets the green Silverstone GP apart for me. Unlike the Miami GP edition, which also features a white opaline dial, with a red minute track and black TH-Polylight bezel, the green of the Silverstone feels far more harmonious. It ties together the bezel, minute track, and TAG Heuer branding in a way that looks intentional rather than being flashy.

The red Monza GP TH-Polylight model, on the other hand, delivers a completely different wearing experience. The bio-polyamide composite case makes it dramatically lighter than the steel version, and also warmer to touch, while the saturated red colour gives it a bolder, more playful personality on the wrist. Paired with the red strap, this feels less like an all-rounder and more like a statement piece. This is the perfect choice to wear on race weekend or to motorsporting events, even in the middle of summer when you want to show maximum colour and still be in comfort.

Final Thoughts

Looking at these latest Formula 1 models in the context of the collection’s history, it’s clear that TAG Heuer is writing a new chapter while keeping the original spirit alive. The collection has evolved over the years to feature different case materials and colour options that either reference the various teams on the grid, different Grand Prix locations in the Formula 1 calendar, or, in the case of the Kith collection, the various cities in which they are positioned.

One central feature has remained throughout the years, however: the Formula 1 line has always been about having an accessible timepiece that is reliable and also low-maintenance. The new Solargraph movement is the most advanced expression of that to date, combining the accuracy of the quartz with the convenience and sustainability of solar power.

While the steel and TH-Polylight models feature the same design cues, they deliver two very different wearing experiences. The steel version feels solid, versatile, and more traditional in design, the kind of timepiece you can wear almost anywhere, every day. By contrast, the TH-Polylight models are lighter and more vibrant. This is a timepiece that is aimed at people who want a more playful, summer-ready expression of the Formula 1 DNA. Having both in the line-up means that this latest Formula 1 collection caters to a larger audience and personal preferences, without changing the core design language.

Taken as a whole, however, this latest Formula 1 collection refresh shows TAG Heuer at its best: tapping into the fun, colourful collection that stole the headlines back in 1986. While these new models feature the same colourful spirit and design that made it so distinctive back then, they have been updated to feature modern materials and a movement that is not only efficient and user-friendly, but also environmentally friendly. This collection is a reminder that a watch inspired by the world’s fastest sport can still be affordable, practical, and stylish! A fitting next chapter in one of TAG Heuer’s most recognisable lines.

Specification: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph – Silverstone GP (Ref: WBY1113.BA0042)

Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $2,900

Availability: Limited edition release (Silverstone GP). Sold out. For more information, head to TAGHeuer.com.au

Specification: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph – Monza GP (Ref: WBY1161.FT8086)

Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $2,700

Availability: Available through TAG Heuer boutiques, or head online to TAGHeuer.com.au