► Tag Heuer ups the retro charm
► Quartz and solar powered
► Priced at £1650
It’s not just the car industry that’s laying on the nostalgia – it’s the same for the watch world, too. Tag Heuer is the latest to delve into its archive, this time to rework its classic Formula 1 watch. A seminal release for the brand, the F1 has been reworked for 2025 and will come in a variety of new colourways – released through the year at different F1 races. That’s because Tag Heuer now replaces Rolex as official timekeeper of F1.
On the surface it’s got funky Moonswatch vibes, but the Tag is not Moonswatch money; at £1650, the Formula 1 costs as much as six or seven of Omega’s fashionable pieces (non-resale, of course). So, is it any good? I’ve been wearing the green-bezel version for a few weeks now – and it somehow won me over. Keep reading for my thoughts.
What’s it like hands on?
Straight out of the box, the Formula 1 is an eye-catching piece. Now expanded to 38mm for a modern audience, it hits today’s sizing sweet spot, and the overall effect is something that looks retro without being dwarfed. Despite its modest dimensions it does get noticed too, thanks in part to the green colourway. It’s attracted attention at numerous car events – though it’s fair to say watch interests and the automotive hobby often converge.
Pick it up and you’ll find it to be reassuringly metal and weighty – unlike the Omega Moonswatch. The are several nice details that take a while to notice: the face (which incorporates a Solargraph) is a milky rather than flat white, and the bezel turns with a satisfying click. This is no full-fat Tag but it’s no Swatch either.
Specs and movement
We’ll get it out the way now. This is a quartz watch just like the original Formula 1, only here its TH50-00 movement is supercharged by a solar-panel which sits directly under the dial. Solargraph tech allows the watch to be charged by both natural and artificial light: a minute of light gets you a day of charge.
On this model you also get an aluminium strap with fold over clasp. It’s adjustable and there’s also an extension link for further adjustment on the go. It matches the sandblasted case well and has enough adjustment for the summer and winter months.
What’s it like to live with?
It’s surprising how well the Tag immediately slotted into my daily wear. Compatible with a t-shirt and a suit at a stretch, it’s full of personality and oozes a fun grab-and-go quality you can’t always get with a more expensive watch. It’s light too, which ties into its casual nature.
Its punchy bezel (with several colourways available) and white dial with luminous indices attached both positive and negative attention. Some said it looked like a toy, others immediately recognised it as a successor to the old F1. Your mileage may vary, and it often depends on your memory of the original watch – if any. For me, it’s crisp and casual – and that’s without any fond memories of the original.
Is it worth it?
The value of watches is very much in the eye of the beholder, but the Tag Heuer has a strong set of tools to win you over. It feels solid, blends boldness with an understated size – and then there’s the retro factor which may help push it over the edge for some people.
The grab-and-go nature of the Formula 1 means its quartz movement isn’t really an issue here, and in balance probably adds to the casual nature of the watch.
All that’s left then is the competition, which is relatively non-existent in this gap between proper luxury watch and Moonswatch. It’s certainly a step or two above Swatch’s moneymaker.
Verdict
If you’re after value-per-complication or want something that’s more akin to the usual luxury watch experience, the Formula 1 is worth avoiding.
Instead, this reissue nails what a retro revival should be: faithful to the original, light and robust. It’ll get a nod from those in the know – but also make everyone else curious. It’s also got an extra bit of kudos if you’re a petrolhead or Formula 1 fan.
After a few weeks on the wrist, I found it to be far more likeable than I expected. Sure, it’s pricey for a non-mechanical watch, but its style and technology make for a compelling argument.