TAG Heuer Has Dropped New Polylight-Powered F1s

No doubt looking to find some breathing space after the hubbub of Watches and Wonders last week, TAG Heuer has dropped an update to its 2025 revamped collection of the brand's iconic plastic-cased 1980s watch, the “Formula 1.”

The five new pieces are called the "pastel collection” by TAG, and all are built on the same solar-powered Formula 1 Solargraph 38 mm that launched in March last year. Two models feature a sandblasted stainless steel case, while the remaining three have cases made from TAG’s proprietary bio-polamide plastic, Polylight.

It's these Polylight versions that are the stars of the new mini collection. Coming in pastel blue, beige, and pink, and sporting case-matching rubber straps and bidirectional-rotating Polylight bezels, they reference classic F1 designs that made the line iconic in the first place.

The stainless steel models have a 3-link sandblasted steel bracelet and either a “pastel green” or “lavender blue” dial with matching Polylight bezels. The dials on both watches also see eight diamonds replace the circular hour markers. TAG says these models add “a touch of refinement,” but considering that these “luxury” F1s will retail at $2,800, as opposed to the $1,950 full Polylight versions, the plastic pieces remain the enthusiast's choice.

These blue, beige, and pink versions hark back to vintage F1 designs, though now 38 mm in size instead of the original 35 mm. Like all F1 Solargraphs, they are equipped with screw-down crowns and case backs, making for 100 meters of water resistance.

The original multicolored Formula 1 watch launched in 1986 and sold in its millions. It was worn by McLaren’s world-beating class of drivers, including Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Michael Schumacher. The new F1s feature subtle design enhancements: luminous hour markers, crisper hands, and Polylight instead of the old Arnite thermoplastic.

The new F1s are solar powered, using TAG's TH-50 movement with the solar module and circuitry from Citizen in Japan. The dial lets light through to a solar cell beneath, charging a battery that delivers energy to the movement. If left in complete darkness, a fully charged F1 will continue to run for 10 months, and it takes just 10 seconds of light exposure to restart.

While the pastel blue and beige don't appear to be limited editions, the pink version is restricted to 1,110 pieces for the 110th anniversary of the Indy 500 this year. Although priced higher than Citizen's own solar offerings, they are considerably cheaper than TAG's Aquaracer Solargraph, offering a modern take on a beloved classic.