« Automatic and Quartz Racing Watch for Every Occasion »
Tag Heuer keeps launching new variants of its sporty Formula 1 collection: Ref. CAZ101AC from the Quartz Chronograph line catches the eye with its yellow flange and points to its close ties with motor racing through numerous details. Available on either a rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet, it combines the brand's familiar toughness with an exotic touch and successfully stands out from the crowd. We share our Tag Heuer Formula 1 experience and also explain the difference between quartz and automatic.
Back to the Roots: Bright Colors in the Spotlight
A look back at the history of the Formula 1 reveals striking parallels between the first models and our experience with the new editions. Created in 1986 as a nod to Tag Heuer's deep connection with motorsport, the first generation of this classic relied on bright colors and established itself as the ultimate leisure watch.
While the plastic cases and playful designs of the past have since disappeared, the new Tag Heuer Formula 1 offers the same 200 meters of water resistance as the original and, with its yellow flange, at least partly echoes its predecessor's colorfulness. In our experience, the F1 is a racing watch with the practical advantages of a diver – the basic recipe remains intact and shows in the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the excellent legibility, and the proven "Easy Grip" technology of the screw-down crown.
Yellow, Green, Red: Luxury Watches for Motorsport Fans
Our Formula 1 experience covers numerous variants. Naturally, this sporty watch isn't afraid of color: Ref. CAZ101AC.FT8024 with its black rubber strap is all about maximum comfort, while the stainless steel bracelet of Ref. CAZ101AC.BA0842 gives it a more refined look. Apart from that, the models are identical, so our attention turns first to the distinctive dial. Not only the outer ring but also the hands of the 30-minute and 1/10th-second totalizers come in bright yellow, contrasting with the red running seconds hand at three o'clock. What we particularly like is the checkered carbon pattern of the black background: first, it sets the new Tag Heuer Formula 1 apart from most of its sister models, and second, it creates an unmistakable link to motor racing. For all its visual appeal, practicality doesn't fall by the wayside.
As with previous editions, the Formula 1 features broad silver hands and indices, a bold 12 o'clock numeral, and a date display at four o'clock. This exemplary functionality continues in the fixed ceramic bezel: its black finish suits the chronograph's sporty character perfectly while creating a strong contrast with the white-engraved markings of the tachymeter scale. The new Tag Heuer Formula 1 nips any doubt about its purpose in the bud with an oversized "Tachymetre" inscription. Our Formula 1 experience also makes one thing clear: the yellow models aren't the only watches that embrace color. What CAZ101AN.FT8055 does in red, Ref. CAZ101AP.FT8056 does in vivid green. Reference CAZ101AM.FT8054 completes the trio, which even carries yellow, red, and green through to the dial and strap. Like the cars in an F1 race, these watches get noticed, and owners report that people quite often comment on them. If that's the kind of attention you'd rather avoid, you'll also find far more understated options among the chronographs, automatic models, and quartz watches.
A Commanding Presence
Speaking of oversized: at 43 millimeters, the brushed stainless steel case is no giant, but in our experience it shouldn't be underestimated either and calls for at least a medium-sized wrist. Variants in 41 mm or ladies' models with diameters of 35 mm or 32 mm not only have a smaller case but, in our experience, also look somewhat more understated; the strengths of all variants remain their high quality and expressive design, while the screw-down caseback provides the necessary security underwater.
Tag Heuer and Formula 1: A Success Story
That leaves the question of price for the TH F1. No big surprises here: ranging from €995 to €2,250, these luxury watches sit, in our experience, within the usual range for quartz chronographs from La Chaux-de-Fonds. On top of that, the price includes an impressive motorsport heritage that should thrill any watch lover with gasoline in their veins. Tag Heuer served as official timekeeper of the world's most prestigious racing series – Formula 1 – from 1992 to 2003.
Even afterward, the brand played a major role in the pinnacle of motorsport as a supplier to individual teams – McLaren above all – and won over prominent ambassadors such as Jenson Button.
Today, the Swiss manufacturer's involvement in motorsport is greater than ever: since the 2019/20 season it has run its own team in the all-electric Formula E – the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team – and is also a partner of the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Team. Numerous other timekeeping roles, including at the Indianapolis 500 and the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), round out Tag Heuer's broad presence in racing. So the new Formula 1 doesn't just look sporty – it backs up its striking design with an equally remarkable motorsport history.
Conclusion: Exciting Variety in a Well-Executed Collection
By all accounts, the new Tag Heuer Formula 1 carries on its masculine character while setting itself apart here and there from the mass of sports chronographs thanks to its bright accents. At its core, though, it retains the familiar strengths of a Tag Heuer watch: a powerful look, high quality standards, and impressive toughness make these watches, in our experience, the ideal companion for every occasion. Not revolution but carefully considered evolution of popular, successful models seems to be the right path. It's only a matter of time before the Formula 1 family welcomes its next addition.