Boom! The New TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Collection
If last May’s TAG Heuer Formula 1 × Kith announcement left you yearning for a regular-production retro-inspired collection, then today is your lucky day. The new Formula 1 Solargraph collection is here, and I think it goes a long way toward satisfying the legions of fans asking for a return to the colorful good old days.
Okay, I was a fan of the Kith collaboration watches, but the pricing and availability put many people off. Plus, vintage ’80s versions are still plentiful and less costly, so the watches weren’t particularly great value. Today’s new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph collection isn’t priced like the original models, but the pieces are better constructed and use a movement that should remain trouble-free for a long time to come.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph collection
With nine(!!) models as part of the initial Formula 1 Solargraph launch, there’s a lot to cover! The new watches have 38mm by 45.2mm cases made of bead-blasted stainless steel, DLC-coated stainless steel, or bio-polyamide resin. It’s the first application of that last material for TAG Heuer, and it’s also used on the bidirectional bezels of all these watches. Admittedly, the water resistance rating is interesting… At just 100 meters, this is a 50% drop compared to the vintage models.
A solar-powered movement
The biggest news, however, is the solar-powered quartz movement inside the Formula 1 Solargraph. This represents a major shift for the model, but we think it’s a great move. The Formula 1 was always meant to be an easy-wearing watch that required little maintenance. With the same TH50-00 (La Joux-Perret base) movement as the Aquaracer Solargraph, this should provide at least 15 years of maintenance-free operation. Just two minutes of light provides a full day’s charge, while 40 hours of exposure will keep the watch running for 10 months. Sounds great!
New dials but, sadly, no full-lume option
If there’s one major bone to pick with the new Formula 1 Solargraph, it’s the lack of a fully luminous dial like the originals. Still, the designs are highly evocative of the ’80s models and are indisputably of higher quality. Each dial has a contrasting minute ring, applied rhodium-plated indexes filled with Super-LumiNova, and the famed “Mercedes” hour hand. A flat sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating tops off the 9.9mm-thick package.
A revised case shape for the Formula 1 Solargraph
Instead of making a pure copy of the original model in a larger size, TAG Heuer adjusted the Formula 1 Solargraph case for a better fit. The hooded lugs now angle down toward the wrist. When viewed from straight on, they are also rounder and flare less than on the older models. Also, the crown guards are sharper and better defined. Overall, it’s a more modern look that should help sustain these models past the initial retro enthusiasts’ surge.
An updated bracelet
On specific references, the watch will come with a new stainless steel bracelet that includes a push-button folding clasp. TAG Heuer promises greater articulation, refinement, and fit. Otherwise, the watches partner with colorful new rubber straps complete with the TAG Heuer logo. These include DLC-coated pin buckles. Additionally, rubber racing straps with linear grooves are available.
Nine models and six limited editions
The Formula 1 Solargraph collection includes nine models, but only three are part of ongoing production. TAG Heuer will capitalize on its new F1 sponsorship and release the six limited models at various Grand Prix races throughout the 2025 season. Let’s break them down.
WBY1111.BA0042 — regular production
This standard model is available today. It comes equipped with a stainless bracelet, an opaline dial, a black bezel, and red highlights. The retail price is €1,850.
WBY1112.BA0042 — regular production
A blue-bezel model was part of the original series in the ’80s. Now it’s back with a corresponding blue dial. It brings in touches of red on the logo and seconds hand. A bracelet is standard on this regular-production reference, and the price comes to €1,850. This model is also available today.
WBY1113.BA0042 — limited, Silverstone
The third and final bracelet model is not a regular-production piece. A total of 3,000 units of this green-bezel edition will be produced and released at 09:00 CEST on July 1st at the Silverstone Grand Prix. Global availability begins on July 4th. The price is consistent with the others at €1,850.
WBY1114.FT8084 — limited, Miami
The Miami Grand Prix watch is also a limited edition of 3,000 pieces. It has a black DLC-coated stainless steel case, a black rubber strap, and a black dial with red highlights and bright white luminous indexes. The watch will go up for pre-sale on April 29th at 14:00 CEST and will be globally available on May 2nd. Pricing is slightly lower at €1,750 due to the lack of a bracelet.
WBY1117.FT8087 — limited, Mexico
On October 21st at 15:00 CEST, the Mexico Grand Prix model will be released in a pre-sale as an edition of 3,000 pieces. Global availability will begin on October 24th. This black DLC-coated stainless model is paired with yellow fittings, including a rubber strap. Pricing is set at €1,750.
WBY111A.FT8106 — limited, Barcelona
The Barcelona GP Formula 1 Solargraph is notable for its Arabic hour indices in place of the typical TAG Heuer shields. It also comes on a black rubber racing strap and uses a bead-blasted stainless steel case. This watch will be available for pre-sale as of May 27th at 08:00 CEST, with worldwide availability on May 30th. The price will be €1,750.
WBY1160.FT8085 — limited, Monza
The most striking Formula 1 Solargraph is the limited-edition Monza Grand Prix reference. This 3,000-piece run uses the new bio-polyamide material for the red case and the green bezel. It will launch with a pre-sale on September 2nd at 08:00 CEST. Worldwide availability will begin on September 5th. Once again, the price will be €1,750.
WBY1161.FT8086 — regular production
If you thought we forgot about the third regular-production model, have no fear! The all-red edition offers fans a colorful choice that should be easy to find. This model has a red bio-polyamide case and a matching rubber strap. It follows the same release schedule as the Monza model, but again, it is not limited. The price is the same as the limited pieces at €1,750.
WBY1162.FT8105 — limited, Singapore
The final Formula 1 Solargraph has a unique blue bio-polyamide case and a matching blue rubber strap. It’s also a limited edition of 3,000 pieces. This piece celebrates the Singapore Grand Prix and will go on pre-sale on September 30th at 13:00 CEST. Worldwide availability will follow on October 3rd. The price is consistent with the others at €1,750.
Final thoughts
We’re excited to bring you a hands-on look at the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph once we visit Watches and Wonders 2025. For now, though, we’re excited about this release. Sure, the watches aren’t inexpensive, but they now have better finishing and components. The movement is also a great step forward. At 38mm, the Formula 1 Solargraph hopefully appeals to a wider audience than the previous 35mm versions did. Now, the only question is, which model do you like best?
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