TAG Heuer replica watches Formula 1 – a collection that debuted in 1986 – now returns in the form of 10 colorful models, prepared together with the Kith brand.

In 1985, TAG (short for Techniques d’Avant Garde), a specialist in advanced and modern technologies, took over the Heuer company. A year later, the combined name – TAG Heuer – appeared on the watch dial for the first time. The choice fell on the new Formula 1 model, which combined a quartz mechanism with colorful composite cases. If you grew up in the 1980s, there is a good chance that these watches were the object of your desires. And in many cases, they became among the first in collections. As was the case with Ronnie Fieg, head of the lifestyle brand Kith, popular in the United States, who started with a red and black TAG Heuer Formula 1 and later became a collector of vintage watches. Now he is entrusted with giving the Formula 1 model a new life.

The key was to use better materials in the watch, but retain its spirit. First, the manufacturer of the original envelopes was found, who used the same mold to make the cases of the new “formulas”. While the 1986 model had plastic glass, the modern version received sapphire glass. The plastic strap has been replaced with an improved, soft and comfortable rubber strap. Interesting color combinations were also chosen.

Formula 1 x Kith – what distinguishes the new models?

TAG Heuer and Kith have prepared a total of 10 new different Formula 1 models, some of which will be available on a steel bracelet and some on a rubber strap. It is worth paying attention to the logo appearing on the watch. TAG Heuer combined them for the first time with a collaborating partner, creating the name KITH HEUER, which can be seen on the dial, rubber strap and case back. In addition, the Kith brand motto “Just Us” appears in the lower part of the dial, and the “Kith & Kin” slogan appears on the case back, accompanied by information about the limited edition of the selected model.

Formula 1 x Kith watches have cases made – depending on the version – of plastic (arnite), sandblasted steel or PVD-coated steel. The cases are 35 mm in diameter, 9.45 mm thick and 40 mm lug-to-lug. There is a quartz mechanism inside them.

Availability and price of watches

Five models – each limited to 250 pieces – will be available exclusively to Kith customers, and their names refer to the cities where the company currently has boutiques. The red variant is “Tokyo”, the black and yellow “Toronto”, the beige “Miami”, the black “New York”, and the multi-colored “Hawaii”.

Additionally, two bracelet models, limited to 350 pieces, were also created exclusively for Kith. We are talking about a variant with a blue bezel called “Los Angeles” and a variant with a green bezel called “Paris”. In the case of these two watches, the slogan “Kith & Kin” also appears in the form of an engraving on the upper part of the case, at 12.

The next two references were created with TAG Heuer boutiques in mind. The watches combine a steel case with a black PVD coating, a green or blue bezel and a matching strap. These versions will go on sale on May 6 and are limited to 850 copies each.

The last watch – and at the same time my personal favorite – is a model that will be sold by both Kith and TAG Heuer, limited to 1,350 pieces. The steel case is combined with a bracelet and a black bezel, the scale of which is partly white and partly red. The most interesting thing, however, is the selection of colors on the dial. The yellowish base is complemented by a printed red ring with a black minute scale. The design is complemented by black balls, which are hour indices, and white “dials” (TAG Heuer logo) that appear at 12, 6 and 9.

Regardless of the version, the price for one copy was set at PLN 6,750. If you would like a set with all 10 watches, TAG Heuer will prepare 75 such sets. Each was valued at CHF 18,000 (~PLN 80,000).

First impressions

When we look at the new “Formułka” for the first time, it is hard to resist the impression that it is TAG Heuer’s answer to MoonSwatch. But here we have better materials (steel, sapphire glass), and therefore a watch that will potentially last longer. I like that the company decided to revive the old hit, while respecting history – it’s not only the shape, but also the size of the original. The only downside is that the watches are limited. It will probably end with a large part of them falling into the trap of “flippers” instead of ending up in the hands of collectors. And finally – although it is a detail – I am not convinced by modifying the logo for the needs of this type of cooperation.