by Brent Robillard
Lights out
During Watches and Wonders this year, I had the chance to get hands-on with the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph collection—TAG’s latest injection of racing flair into its entry-level lineup. I also managed a quick photo session with two limited editions made for Monza and the Singapore Grand Prix, both of which brought a fun, collectible vibe that mirrors what Swatch Group has been doing with the MoonSwatch and the SCUBA Fifty Fathoms. But make no mistake—these are unmistakably TAG Heuer, just filtered through a lighter, more playful lens.
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A Return to Formula 1 Roots
Before we get into materials and movements, it’s worth noting that TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 ties aren’t just branding. The company’s roots in motorsport run deep—dating back to its stopwatches and dashboard timers in the 1960s, all the way through its 1980s rebirth under TAG’s ownership. The original 35mm Formula 1 watches from that era helped define the post-quartz-crisis comeback of the brand, bringing bold colors and casual wearability to a new generation. These new Solargraph models are clear nods to that design language, right down to the blocky case shapes and vivid dial/bezel combinations.
More recently, TAG Heuer has returned as the official timekeeper of Formula 1, reigniting its long-standing relationship with the sport—and this new Solargraph collection feels like a timely celebration of that renewed partnership.
Key Features of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph
Case, Materials, and Dimensions
Across the range, the watches come in 38mm cases—a slight bump in sizing from the ’80s originals. It’s a refreshing move in a market saturated with 40mm+ sports watches, and one that makes these feel instantly wearable by a wide range of wrists.
The cases come in two material options:
- Bead-blasted stainless steel, like on the blue/blue, opaline/green, and classic opaline/black bezel model (WBY1111.BA0042), which would be my personal pick. Or, DLC coated steel as we find on the black dial variant.
- TH-Polylight, a proprietary bio-polymide resin that keeps things light and rugged, used to great effect on the Singapore and Monza GP editions seen here, and other colour-forward variants.
Depending on the model, you’ll find either a three-link steel bracelet or a matching TH-Polylight strap. Both wear comfortably and suit the playful nature of the collection. TAG Heuer uses a folding clasp on the bracelet and a pin buckle on the composite.
Crystal, Bezel & Water Resistance
The collection features sapphire crystals with anti-reflective treatment, and each watch is equipped with a bi-directional rotating bezel—all crafted in the TH-Polylight composite material. Water resistance is a respectable 100 meters–down from the OG models–but sufficient for everyday wear.
Dials, Colours & Personality
Each model brings a distinct personality, with a mix of opaline, black, and blue dials, contrasting indices, and bold “Mercedes” hands filled with Super-LumiNova. There’s a clear effort to balance fun with legibility here. The classic white dial/black bezel combo (again, my pick) feels clean and versatile, but the racing liveries on the Monza and Singapore GP editions are where the line really comes alive.
The Singapore GP version, for example, leans hard into blue where the Monza lights up in a mix of green and red. These models aren’t trying to be understated—they’re meant to pop.
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The Solargraph Movement
At the heart of each watch is the Calibre TH50-01, a solar-powered quartz movement developed in partnership with La Joux-Perret. It charges via any light source—sunlight or artificial—and can run for up to ten months on a full charge. If it dips into hibernation, it jumps back to life with just a few minutes of light exposure.
What’s great here is that TAG Heuer isn’t just using a stock solar quartz—they’ve developed something that feels in-house adjacent, tech-forward, and totally on-brand. For a Formula 1 collection, solar power feels like a clever thematic tie-in: clean energy, always ready, no pit stops required.
Strap and Wearability
I was surprised by the supple–and decidedly un-plasticy–feel of the new straps. Like a solid rubber or silicone, these straps are flexible and slide easily into place beneath the keepers. On wrist, the watch is incredibly lightweight and compact. These are, however, not quick change options.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel/TH-Polylight 38mm Diameter 45.2mm Lug to Lug 9.9mm Thick 18.5mm Lug Width TH-Polylight Bezel Screw Down Case Back 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Opaline/Blue/Black Dial Applied Markers Mercedes Handset Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | TH50-00 Solar-powered Quartz 10-Month Power Reserve on Full Charge 15-year Battery Life |
| Strap | TH-Polylight Strap or Blasted Stainless Steel Bracelet |
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph
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Final Thoughts
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph collection feels like a natural next step after the Aquaracer Solargraph. It offers fun, accessible design grounded in the brand’s motorsport heritage and adds meaningful upgrades like Solargraph tech and versatile case sizing.
While the stainless steel white dial model (WBY1111.BA0042) would be my daily pick, I can absolutely see die-hard fans picking up multiple versions—or even assembling a full grid of these things. With real ties to both racing history and modern watch tech, the Solargraph is more than just a colorful quartz—it’s TAG Heuer’s reminder that watches can be fun and functional.
Pricing & Availability
The permanent collection of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph is available now for $1800 on the strap and $1900 on the bracelet; GP-specific editions like the Singapore and Monza featured here will be available for pre-order as each race approaches throughout the year. Please visit the website for more details.
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Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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I do like these. Very retro 80s. But they are a lot money, even for the steel on steel (which would also be my choice). I’m sure that they will still be a hit, but imagine had they been priced under 1k…