On January 1, 2025, TAG Heuer returned to its role as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 and it didn’t take long for the brand to introduce a new generation of Formula 1 chronographs to celebrate its new status.  Today, TAG Heuer introduced five new versions of its Formula 1 chronograph, these models being the seventh generation of TAG Heuer Formula 1 chronographs since they were introduced in 1989.

In this posting, we will introduce TAG Heuer’s line-up of new Formula 1 chronographs, and provide some quick impressions, based on a quick visit to our local Atlanta Boutique. 

Background

The Formula 1 was the first collection to have the TAG Heuer logo on the dial, after Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG) completed its acquisition of Heuer in January 1986.  TAG Heuer introduced a range of colorful Formula 1 watch in 1986, with the first generation of Formula 1 chronographs coming in 1989.  The Formula 1 collection has been through five additional generations since then, with the current sixth generation cases being inspired by the Autavia C-shape cases from the 1970s. 

Overview of the 2025 Formula 1 Chronographs

Today, TAG Heuer has introduced five new Formula 1 chronographs that mark a new generation for the collection.  Before taking a look at the specifics of the five models introduced today, we’ll have a look at the design of the new Formula 1 chronograph and some of the features shared by all five models.

The Case and Bezel — TAG Heuer’s 2025 Formula 1 chronographs use an entirely new style of case, made of titanium and measuring 44 millimeters across the dial.  Just as the cases of the original Formula 1 watches and chronographs evoked the style of Formula 1 cars of the mid-1980s, the new case incorporates design elements of a modern-day Formula 1 racecar.  The shapes of these cars – wings, nose, sides, etc. – are informed primarily by aerodynamics (and rules imposed by Formula 1), and the curves and sculpture of the new Formula 1 chronographs remind the racing enthusiast of these shapes. 

Beyond the shapes incorporated into the case, certain elements of the new chronograph are more explicit in taking their cues from specific parts of the Formula 1 racecar.  Micro-perforations on the edge of the bezel capture the build of modern brake rotors; the indices applied to the dial are shaped like the nose of today’s racecars. 

Just as Formula 1 cars are designed to generate power and deliver that power from the engine to the wheels, while allowing the driver maximum control, the new Formula 1 chronograph is also designed for reliable power and user ergonomics.  The movement is TAG Heuer’s Calibre 16, a workhorse of the brand over the last two decades. The pushers take an entirely new shape; the crown might be part of a racecar’s gearbox; the rubber strap controls this power with ease. 

The Colors – From its start in 1986, the Formula 1 collection has been known for its wide range of bright colors, with the original models including red, orange, yellow, green and blue among its dials, cases and bezels. 

While four of the first five models have black opaline dials, the new collection of Formula 1 chronographs continues this use of bright, playful colors, using bright red, blue and lime.  These colors are used on the very prominent tracks around the dials, colored rings between the bezels and cases, and even the interior of the straps (which TAG Heuer calls “rims”).  The Red Bull Special Edition goes even further, with a blue checkerboard dial, red for the hands on the recorders, a bright yellow chronograph second hand and a blue / red strap. 

Other Features Shared by the Five Models

  • Dials are opaline (matte, rather than sunray or glossy); registers are sunken and surrounded by “Daytona” rings
  • Hands are NAC plated polished with white Super LumiNova by day and green luminescence by night; indices are NAC plated with white Super LumiNova by day and green luminescence by night
  • Dimensions of the new Formula 1 chronograph are 44 millimeters across the dial, with a thickness of 14.1 millimeters and lug-to-lug length of 47.3 millimeters. On the strap, the chronographs weighs 111 grams.
  • Cases have solid case-backs (not display) and are waterproof to 200 meters.
  • TAG Heuer’s new Formula 1 chronographs are powered by its Calibre 16 movement.

Details of the Five Models Introduced Today

Three of the models introduced today are available now and two additional models will follow in Spring 2025.  The easiest way to remember which are available now and which are coming later is as follows:

  • Currently available – (1) Red accents; titanium case; (2) Red accents; black-coated case; and (3) Red Bull Special Edition
  • Available Spring 2025 – (1) Blue accents; and (2) Lime accents

Here are descriptions of the three new Formula 1 chronographs that will be available immediately.  They are shown left-to-right in the image shown above:

Red Accents in Sandblasted Titanium Case – Black opaline dial with red lacquered track; sandblasted titanium case, with aluminum bezel; red ring between bezel and case; black rubber strap. Available February 2025; priced at 4,600 CHF; reference CBZ2082.FT8096.

Red Accents in Black-Coated Titanium Case — Black opaline dial with red lacquered track; black DLC-coated titanium case, with aluminum bezel; red ring between bezel and case; red rubber strap. Available February 2025; priced at 4,800 CHF; reference CBZ2085.FT8093.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Special Edition in Sandblasted Titanium Case – Blue dial with checkered pattern and black lacquered track; sandblasted titanium case, forged carbon bezel; red ring between bezel and case; blue rubber strap with red rims. Available February 2025; priced at 5,300 CHF; reference CBZ2080.FT8091.

Here are descriptions of the two new Formula 1 chronographs that will be available in the Spring of 2024, with the “Blue” track model coming in March 2025 and the “Lime” track model coming in June 2025.

Blue Accents in Black-Coated Titanium Case — Black opaline dial with blue lacquered track; black DLC-coated titanium case, with aluminum bezel; blue ring between bezel and case; black rubber strap with blue rims.  Available March 2025; priced at 4,800 CHF; reference CBZ2084.FT8097.

Lime Accents in Black-Coated Titanium Case – Black opaline dial with lime lacquered track; black DLC-coated titanium case, with aluminum bezel; lime ring between bezel and case; black rubber strap with lime rims.  Available June 2025; priced at 4,800 CHF; reference CBZ2086.FT8098.

Impressions of the New Formula 1 Chronographs

To my eye, TAG Heuer’s execution of the new Formula 1 chronographs demonstrates how a brand should draw on its heritage (or near-heritage) models in creating new generations of watches.  These new models incorporate key design elements of the earlier models while taking advantage of modern materials and technologies to deliver vastly improved performance.

Design Language from the 1980s — The original Formula 1 watches and chronographs from the mid-1980s were a uniquely pinched tonneau shape, with the strap or bracelet fitting under the top and bottom lips of the case. This style element is carried forward in the case of the new Formula 1 Chronograph, with its short lugs, as well as the design of the rubber straps. The same way that the vintage Formula 1 watches and chronographs were a natural complement to the McLaren Formula 1 car of the mid-1980s, the new 2025 models reflect elements of modern Formula 1 cars (and supercars as well). 

Today’s Materials and Technology — Beyond its design, the new generation of Formula 1 chronographs make good use of advances in watchmaking materials and technology. Titanium, with state-of-the-art DLC coating or a sandblasted finish, has replaced the stainless steel or composite used to make earlier models. Bezels have gone from crude plastic to aluminum and forged carbon. The Calibre 16 movement is tried and true, a completely different machine than the crude quartz movement that powered the first Formula 1 chronographs in the late 1980s.

It’s All About SPEED — A favorite element of the new Formula 1 Chronograph is the placement of the word “Speed” on the bezel. After years of struggling to explain and even pronounce the word “tachymeter”, the newest Formula 1 chronographs add a “plain English” caption. We can come up with three meanings for the word “Speed” printed on this bezel, two nouns and a verb. First, these numbers indicate your SPEED over a measured distance (for example, a mile or a kilometer). That’s nice and simple. Second, this watch is all about racing and SPEED! A simple summary of why we love Formula 1. Third, switching from the nouns to the verb, we can say, “When you’re in a rush, you need to SPEED.” There we have it . . . three possible explanations for the five-letter word printed on the bezel!

Ten Minutes on My Wrist

At TAG Heuer’s Atlanta Boutique, I was able to try on the three Formula 1 chronographs being released today and I was very impressed by these models.  Strap the watch on your wrist and the first thing you will notice is the construction of the strap itself.  The rubber is soft and the strap bends down easily from where it is attached to the case, so that it is snug against the wrist and adds relatively little circumference to your wrist. After struggling with complicated bracelets, fussy deployant straps and an assortment bulky straps in various materials, the simplicity and strength of the new Formula 1 chronograph straps was a pleasure. It’s comfortable and handles the mass of the watch well.

Ironically, the only 44 millimeter chronograph that I wear on a regular basis is the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 Chronograph (Reference CAZ201A), which resides in a stainless steel Formula 1 case on a stainless steel bracelet. The Fragment Formula 1 chronograph and the new seventh-generation Formula 1 chronograph have similar dimensions (both being approximately 44 millimeters across the dial, with a thickness of 14 millimeters), but the use of titanium for the new model offers an entirely different experience on the wrist.

On the rubber strap, the new Formula 1 Chronograph weighs in at 111 grams versus 179 grams for the Fragment Design model on its stainless steel bracelet, so the new model feels entirely different on the wrist. It’s far lighter but also feels more balanced than the Fragment Design model, which tends to feel top heavy.

There is a great feel to operating the new Formula 1 Chronograph.  Winding is smooth, setting is easy and accurate, and the newly-developed pushers have a nice feel to them.  Both the sword-shaped time of day hands and the chronographs hands provide excellent legibility. 

My Bottom Line

While no 44 millimeter chronograph is likely to win the annual prize for being my most worn watch, the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph could easily take a spot on my “grab and go” shelf, alongside the Fragment Formula 1. It handles well, feels great on the wrist and just as the vintage Autavias, Carreras and Monacos connect today’s collectors to the racing of the 1960s and 70s, the new Formula 1 Chronograph captures the style of the modern racecars that we find on today’s Formula 1 grids.

An Exciting Moment for TAG Heuer

The resumption of TAG Heuer of its role as Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 has created tremendous excitement among TAG Heuer enthusiasts, including those who collect the vintage Heuer chronographs. Whatever its “official” role may or may not have been, TAG Heuer has consistently maintained a high profile in Formula 1, sponsoring a succession of teams, being on the wrists of drivers, and having a strong presence in the paddock, the pit and the grandstands.

With the 2025 Australian Grand Prix less than two months away, TAG Heuer’s introduction of the new Formula 1 Chronographs suggests that the brand most closely associated with racing is ready to take its role to an even higher level. Over the course of 24 weekends, from March 16 to December 7, in locations around the world, we will see the familiar TAG Heuer logo at the tracks, on the racecars and across the bottom of our television screens. In what promises to be an exciting season, we will see the sights, hear the sounds, and even smell the smell of the ultimate form of motorsports.

With the introduction of its new collection of Formula 1 Chronographs, TAG Heuer offers enthusiasts a new way to have a bit of this excitement, every time they look at their watches. Indeed, TAG Heuer has declared that it’s ready for the Formula 1 season to begin.

Thanks

Special thanks to Erika and Britney at TAG Heuer’s fantastic Atlanta Boutique for showing me the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronographs and for helping with the photos. Visit them at Lenox Mall, 3393 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA, or call 470-750-0390.

Jeff Stein
January 21, 2025