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TAG Heuer's Formula 1 collection debuted in 1986 marking an exciting new chapter for the brand. These Swiss-made quartz watches quickly gained popularity, showcasing the company’s ability to innovate under new ownership. Named after TAG Heuer's deep-rooted connection to Formula 1 racing, the collection sold over three million units, reinforcing its appeal and success. Over the years, the Formula 1 collection has remained a vital part of TAG Heuer’s lineup, offering a range of designs, movements, and materials. Its enduring popularity reflects the brand's commitment to capturing the energy and spirit of motorsports in a unique and unparalleled way.
Design And Iterations
The Formula 1 collection has evolved significantly over the years. The first series (1986) stood out with colourful fibreglass cases and plastic straps, marking a departure from TAG Heuer’s traditional designs. By the early '90s, the collection added chronographs and larger Arabic numerals for a fresh look. Series 3, in the early 2000s, introduced titanium-carbide bezels and polyurethane bumpers, giving the watches a tougher, sportier visual. Series 5 added automatic movements, enhancing the collection’s functionality. Series 6 incorporated vintage elements, drawing inspiration from the 1970s Autavia models.
The early Formula 1 models (1986-1990) used Harley Ronda SA 705 or ESA 965.312 quartz movements, while the 1989 chronograph introduced a mechanical quartz module with a unique analogue date display and chronograph functions. From 1991 to 1995, the watches featured traditional chronograph layouts, and Series 3 saw upgrades to ETA F06.111 and ETA G10.711 movements. Series 5 marked a significant evolution of the calibre 16 automatic movement, and Series 6 continued with quartz movements but expanded to include calibre five, six, and seven variants. The Formula 1 Fragment Limited Edition showcased the Heuer 02 in-house movement, blending minimalist design with high-performance engineering.