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Why is The TAG Heuer F1 a Good Watch?

For nearly four decades, The Tag Heuer F1 has been adorning wrists of collectors around the globe. Since its first tick, it has been the go-to chronograph sports watch and the entry point for many watch fans. Today, we will be looking at why this beloved timepiece has been pulling in more than petrol heads since its inception.

Background About The TAG Heuer F1 Watch

Flying off the track in 1986 after the acquisition of Heuer by Techniques d’Avant Garde (Now you know where Tag originated!) It was this partnership that forged the path for the Swiss brand.

This was down to Techniques d’Avant Garde, a renowned manufacturer providing all manner of components to both the aviation industry and Formula 1 racing cars. We’re off to a fast start time peeps.

This key decision would result in defining the Swiss brand for the next 37 years and counting. Consequently, TAG Heuer decided to align itself with F1 brand affiliations to develop their timepieces showing off their models to a much more youthful audience.

Source: TAG Heuer

But the socio-economic landscape was also changing during this period. With “the quartz crisis” and Japanese watches hitting the industry as fast as Usain Bolt, mechanical watchmaking was under threat. In this way, change needed to happen - in double time.

Yet some watchmakers embraced this mechanical impact, none more so than TAG Heuer. This led to the launch of the iconic TAG Heuer F1 watches as we now see it. Better still, it remains the most price-conscious luxury watch the brand currently has in circulation. That's one good reason to raise your arms on the podium!

In fact, if you’re looking to buy a TAG Heuer such as the time-only F1 model, watch lovers can breathe a sigh of relief as it comes in at £1,550 for the 43mm version. They certainly deserve the plaudits.

Significance of The TAG Heuer F1 Watch

Featuring its infamous resin case, signature rubber strap and pastel colours such as yellow green and orange, it is unmistakably a TAG Heuer F1 watch. Bringing analogue watchmaking right up to speed, CEO Jack Heuer was steering in the completely opposite direction to his rivals…and it worked a treat.

During the 80’s and 90’s when classic luxury brands were not interested in manufacturing price-friendly watches, TAG’s partnership with F1 spearheaded the brand to greater heights with its array of bold and vibrant dials unparalleled at the time.

It was this racing history combined with striking design that ensured the Swiss outfit enjoyed a piece of the watch collecting pie.

The first TAG Heuer F1 watch was launched in six unique tones including black and grey. With its tough coloured stainless steel tones it was as solid as a rock but playful. Then came the introduction of ladies watches. Function and fashion collide offering sleeker cases and interchangeable straps allowing the wearer to go from sporty to classic instantaneously.

30th anniversary Ayrton Senna limited edition watches - Source: Juncture Mag

From the exclusive Aryton Senna 2017 timepiece celebrating his legendary first victory at The Monaco Grand Prix to its distinctive Mclaren orange hue, TAG’s deep connection with Formula 1 has been synonymous for decades.

Buy a TAG Heuer watch such as the 2021 satsuma coloured model and you’ll soon realise why this brand has been driving everyone crazy. The manufacturer presented the daring and energetic orange model paying tribute to those iconic pieces from the 80’s and 90’s.

Yet, extreme track performance and eye for quality is reflected on the wrists of contemporary brand ambassadors like golfer Tommy Fleetwood, influential Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka and F1 driver Max Verstappen (hence the orange as he races under the Dutch flag).

The Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Naomi Osaka Limited Edition - Source: TAG Heuer

Meanwhile, sponsorships have been agreed as quick as the time it takes to do a lap of Silverstone. In 2016, TAG Heuer became the official partner and timekeeper of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team. Winning the Constructors and Driver’s Championship four years in a row between 2010 and 2013, they have a partnership with the motorsport giant until 2024.

Nevertheless, their impact is unmatched on and off the track, continually developing watches for other major car makers like Porsche.

Details of The Tag Heuer F1 Watch

Let's take a closer inspection under the horological bonnet to consider whether or not you should buy a TAG Heuer F1 watch.

Built to last, these beauties can withstand pretty much anything while fitting into your hectic lifestyle. That’s what they were made for. Although they are available in many variations they benefit from a minute scale running around the idiosyncratic black PVD racing-style bezel found on the time-only versions.

Source: Tag Heuer

Furthermore, chronograph models deliver an incredible Swiss quartz movement, tachymeter, striking numerals, unique case shape, 200m of water resistance and angled elements on the dial. Measuring 43mm in diameter, the iconic yellow, green and red chronographs pay homage to its deep-lying racing heritage.

Rubber straps match the overall design concept which purrs like the sound of a Ferrari V8 engine. Speed, power and classic while highlighting a fresh look are always at the forefront of all F1 models. Vibrant brushed sunray dials complemented by identical rubber straps make for a remarkable piece with a twist.

If you want to buy a watch with optimal functionality, you’re sure to find this in The Tag Heuer F1 watch. This element hasn’t been tossed in the pits thanks to three chronograph subdials in black, a date window situated at 5 o’clock and generous hands and markers complete with Super-LumiNova® for first rate visibility.

Limited Edition Collabs of The Tag Heuer F1 Watch

Over the course of time, its collabs have been just as impressive as those chicane turns. In 2018, only 1,300 pieces were produced for The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph Max Verstappen Special Edition.

Featuring red and black tones, it was created by Verstappen and displays his number 33 racing numeral. A nod to the fast and furious competition of Formula 1, the dial’s right side has a Dutch flag emblazoned on it.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Special Edition - Source: TAG Heuer

The original TAG Heuer Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Special Edition could prove to be a sound investment if you intend to buy a Tag Heuer as there are limited quantities available. Taking inspiration from the brand’s midnight blue tone racing car, the RB16B, their team had a major say in the design showcasing their stand out red and yellow supplementary colours.

In 2022, an updated version was released, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Red Bull Racing Special Edition. Influenced by the race car cockpit, this highly distinguishable dial pays tribute to the vehicle itself with its speedometer look and line above the 5 and 7 symbolising the starting grid.

But TAG are also down with the kids as seen with their collaboration alongside Fragment design owner Hiroshi Fujiwara. After the popular first edition, In 2020, the Japanese streetwear mogul, musician and producer created the limited run TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 Chronograph.

TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 Chronograph - Source: GMT Post

Known to some as The Godfather of the Street he has collaborated with a host of names ranging from Louis Vuitton to Nike and Rolex. Pairing one of the most influential streetwear gurus with TAG was a horological match enhancing the brand further.

Oh and it helps that Fujiware is a fanatical watch collector too. Revamping the vintage sports watch for the 21st century is no mean feat.

But Fujiwara pulled it off with aplomb adding a rotating bezel, a case back made from red sapphire and bracelet links. Housed with a Calibre 02 movement, this was TAG Heuer Formula 1 mixing it with Generation Z then taking it to a whole new street vibe.

Conclusion

So is the TAG Heuer F1 a good watch? The long and short of it is yes.

This all-encompassing crowd pleaser has a rich backstory that resonates with hardcore motorsport fans, watch lovers or time lords wanting to start a collection. Enter into most swanky offices and you’ll find someone sporting a TAG Heuer F1.

There’s no need for winding here. Sporty, good looks and plenty of billboard appeal has made this glamorous watch suitable for all manner of active individuals. So, should you buy a TAG Heuer watch like the F1 for investment? Combining style, innovation, unique long-lasting partnerships and luxury as per the ceramic cases make it a safe bet.

With 40 plus references available in its horological stable including two tone and monochrome variations, this Swiss brand is constantly evolving making its sports watches even more accessible for those who wish to own a luxury watch under £2,000.

Want to live in the fast lane and looking to buy a Tag Heuer watch? Now is not the time to rest on your laurels. Whether it’s your first luxury watch or adding to your collection, Chrono Hunter is the quickest and easiest solution.

Don’t be down in the pits scouring endless listings. Buy a watch with us and receive an array of offers in real time from some of the most trusted luxury watch retailers in the UK. Contact us here to enjoy the most competitive offers on the market and let our experienced team take care of the rest.

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