TAG Heuer has just launched a new version of its Formula 1 Solargraph watch. It’s inspired by Circuit Zandvoort, and it mark the final Dutch Grand Prix happening in a few weeks.
Zandvoort has built a reputation as one of the most intense stops on the F1 calendar, thanks to its narrow layout and that famous sea of orange in the grandstands. With the Dutch Grand Prix set to disappear from the calendar after this year, this feels like a fitting send-off.
As a owner of an original orange Formula 1 watch from 1986, I’m very excited about this new, updated model. For a start, it comes in 38mm, that’s larger than the 35mm model, but smaller than you might expect from a modern TAG sports watch.
The dial is grey, with a striking orange and red minute track running around the edge. It’s a proper motorsport look, and is one of my favourite Formula 1 colourways.
The case has a sandblasted steel finish, to give it a purposeful, matte look (rather than shiny and showy).
The bezel (also orange) is made from a material called TH-Polylight, and it carries the brand’s classic daisy motif. I love these modern Formula 1 Solargraphs, they’re so comfortable and lightweight on the wrist, making them an ideal everyday watch.
As the name suggests, it also uses TAG’s Solargraph movement. That means it’s solar powered, and a single minute in direct sunlight is, according to TAG Heuer, enough to power the watch for a full day.
A full charge takes under 40 hours of light exposure, and, once charged, you should get up to ten months of power in total darkness.
Even if the watch stops completely, just ten seconds of light gets it running again. The accumulator itself is rated for up to fifteen years of use.
There are two versions to choose from. The first comes on an orange rubber strap, and it’s limited to 1500 pieces.
The second swaps the rubber for a three-row steel bracelet. That slightly rarer, limited to just 1000 pieces, and it’s available exclusively online.
Both watches get the same dial layout. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock, TAG Heuer’s signature shield icons at 6, 9 and 12, and hour markers filled with eggshell Super LumiNova for visibility in the dark.
The rubber strap version is priced at US$2150 / £1800, while the bracelet version is costs a bit more at US$2250 / £1900.
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