With TAG Heuer returning as the official timekeeper of Formula One, the spotlight is firmly back on one of the brand’s most recognisable collections. While many fans have become familiar with seeing the TAG Heuer logo on the chassis of Red Bull Racing cars driven by Max Verstappen, this latest chapter feels far more significant than a simple sponsorship announcement.
TAG Heuer’s relationship with Formula 1 runs deep. The brand previously served as the sport’s official timekeeper between 1992 and 2003 before the role later passed to brands including Hublot and Rolex. Now, with Formula 1 enjoying a huge global resurgence, the timing of TAG Heuer’s return feels deliberate and perfectly judged.
As someone who has followed the Formula 1 collection for years, this feels like the most interesting point in its history for a long time. The collection has evolved far beyond the chunky, colourful quartz watches that defined it throughout the 80s and 90s. What I’m seeing now is a much more refined direction, one that still captures the energy and identity of motorsport, but with a design language and level of quality that feels far more relevant to modern collectors.
The Old Guard vs The New Wave
Let’s rewind for context. The original TAG Heuer Formula 1 watches from the late 80s were designed to be tough, accessible, and unmistakably sporty. They were quartz-powered, often plastic-heavy, and built for people who wanted the racing aesthetic without the Carrera price tag.
Fast forward to 2026, and the formula has changed entirely. TAG has kept the accessible positioning (made even more straightforward through TAG Heuer Formula 1 watches on finance) but upgraded the materials, movements, and designs.
The Solargraph Revolution
As we step back into the current Formula 1 season, a current talking point is the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph collection. These watches use TAG’s solar-powered quartz movement, which means no battery changes for years, which also happens to be better for the planet.
Most recently, my eye has been on the pastel editions: lavender, mint, baby blue, yellow, and pink dials that feel fresh in a category usually dominated by black, blue, and red. The 38mm case sits comfortably on smaller wrists, the bezel action is crisp, and the dial has a subtle finish that catches light beautifully. At £1,650 for the models with a rubber strap, financed through Banks Lyon’s 0% interest option, you’re looking at manageable monthly payments.
The Calibre 16 Automatic Chronographs
There’s a major hardware upgrade in the current F1 lineup. I’m talking specifically about models like the Formula 1 Chronograph 44m that use TAG’s Calibre 16 automatic chronograph movement - lined with a Grade 2 titanium case.
The 44m titanium case is sandblasted and fitted with a black DLC aluminium tachymeter bezel, making it significantly lighter than the steel versions while still maintaining 200 meters of water resistance. The black opalin dial with rhodium-plated hands and white Super-LumiNova keeps things legible in all conditions.
The pink-accented variant deserves special mention. Black DLC titanium case with vibrant pink lacquered track details on a black opaline dial, I think this watch makes a statement without descending into gimmick territory.
The Senna Collection
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna represents a thoughtful tribute piece that true F1 fans will appreciate.
Ayrton Senna became a TAG Heuer ambassador in the early 90s, and his watch of choice was the S/EL Chronograph with its distinctive S-shaped link bracelet. The 44mm chronograph version includes a dial with Brazilian flag colours (blue, yellow, green) in the chronograph sundial at 6 o’clock, and the caseback features an engraved illustration of Senna’s eyes through his helmet visor.
Powered by Calibre 16, it features a forged carbon tachymeter bezel engraved with Senna’s signature “S” logo and comes on a bright yellow rubber strap.
TAG Heuer and Red Bull Racing
TAG’s sponsorship of Red Bull Racing has produced some of the most wearable special editions in the F1 lineup. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Special Edition watches translate team branding into functional chronographs, without feeling like merchandise.
The blue and red colour scheme references Red Bull’s livery while maintaining visual coherence. These are 43mm quartz chronographs with tachymeter bezels, making them practical timing tools first and team tributes second.
Final Thoughts
Want to experience the feeling of an F1 watch in person? Our personal shopper experience at our Lancaster showroom allows you to try the watches on in person, feel how the watch sits on your wrist, and make an informed decision. And doing it with champagne or a local ale in hand doesn’t hurt either.
Explore TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 collection and financing options at Banks Lyon.