An in-depth look at all 10 versions of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith collaboration
Jamie WeissThey’ve barely been out for a week, but the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith collection has already sparked plenty of discussion within the watch community. For a deeper explanation behind this much-anticipated collaboration, check out my colleague Borna’s article here: in essence, TAG Heuer has teamed up with fashion tastemaker/watch collector Ronnie Fieg and his hype-y lifestyle brand Kith to bring back the Formula 1 as a limited run of 10 different watches, which is something that fans have been asking for, for ages.
Much has already been said about these plastic fantastics. The prevailing feeling is that this is TAG trying to pull a MoonSwatch (which is something we speculated about last year) – except that these 10 watches are limited editions, and they’re also 5 times the price of a MoonSwatch at retail. However, not many people have had the chance to try them all on. So, let’s get down to business.
How is this watch different to the original TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch?
In short, these Formula 1 Kiths are pretty faithful recreations of the original Formula 1 model first released in 1986. TAG even tracked down the original moulds for the watches to create these new models. However, they’re not completely the same as they were back in the 80s. For instance, while they still boast quartz movements, they now feature sapphire crystals, rubber straps instead of plastic straps, and the plastic used for their bezels and cases is now Arnite, a high-performance engineering plastic that’s significantly more robust than the plastics used back in the 80s. That said, I’m sure no one is going to complain about these quality-of-life improvements.
Of course, another big change is the use of “Kith Heuer” branding across the Formula 1’s dial and rubber straps. The watch’s casebacks also feature the Kith logo tesselated across them. Other Kith touches include the Kith motto “Just Us” on the dials of all the models, with the steel-cased models also featuring another Kith motto, “Kith and Kin”, engraved at 12 o’clock. I think this is a bold move for TAG to allow Kith’s branding to be displayed so prominently across what is their design, but it speaks to Feig and Kith’s clout and role in bringing the F1 back.
The shared model
Let’s start with the hero watch of the collection, which is a shared model between TAG Heuer and Kith and features arguably the most conventional design. It features a steel case, a black bezel with red accents, and an eggshell dial, which evokes period models that have gone tropical. It comes mounted on a Jubilee-style metal bracelet, which features a Kith Heuer-branded clasp. This model will be the easiest to acquire, as it’s only limited to 1,350 pieces and will be retailed by both Kith and TAG Heuer. The other 9 models are exclusive to either TAG Heuer or Kith.
Black/green – TAG Heuer exclusive
This dark green model is one of two TAG Heuer exclusives. It features a black PVD steel case (not an Arnite case, like the Kith-exclusive “New York” model), a black pinstriped dial with a green minute track, a green Arnite bezel and a green rubber strap. It is limited to 825 pieces. Both the blue and green TAG exclusives come in colour-matched display boxes, too.
Black/blue – TAG Heuer exclusive
Like the black/green model above, this colourway combines a black PVD steel case, a black pinstriped dial with a blue minute track, a blue Arnite bezel and a blue rubber strap. It too is limited to 825 pieces and is exclusively available at TAG Heuer boutiques or through TAG Heuer’s online store. The remaining 7 models are exclusive to Kith, and each pay homage to a city where Kith has a store.
“New York” – Kith exclusive
The first Kith exclusive model is the New York – Kith and Ronnie Feig’s hometown – which features a fully-black look with a black Arnite case and bezel paired with a black pinstripe dial and black rubber strap. The bezel’s timing indicators and the minute track are denoted in multicoloured pastels: pastels are something of a Kith signature, and it’s no surprise that Fieg chose to differentiate the NYC model with a little twist like this.
“Tokyo” – Kith exclusive
Next up is the Tokyo, which is my personal favourite, as well as the same colour as the first Formula 1 that Ronnie Feig bought back in the day. It features a red Arnite case, red strap, black bezel and white dial, evoking the Japanese flag. The reason I like it so much is because it resembles the watches that McLaren F1 mechanics used to wear back in the day – I’m a McLaren supporter and a big F1 fan, and I’m sure this colourway will really resonate with my fellow revheads.
“Toronto” – Kith exclusive
The Toronto model is hard to miss with its yellow strap and dial, which are paired with a black Arnite case and bezel. Part of the OG Formula 1’s appeal was how bright all its different colourways were: this model certainly demonstrates that.
“Miami” – Kith exclusive
As of publishing, we’re midway through the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix race weekend, so this Miami model couldn’t have come at a better time. It combines a beige Arnite case, strap and bezel with grey markings and a grey pinstriped dial. It’s very vibey.
“Hawaii” – Kith exclusive
The Hawaii model is visually the most distinct out of all the Formula 1 Kith watches, with its eclectic combination of a yellow Arnite case, green bezel, blue pinstriped dial and red strap. This model also references a special version of the Formula 1 from the ‘80s made in partnership with Japanese F1 driver Ukyo Katayama, which ranks as the rarest Formula 1 model of all. We actually spotted one of these on the wrist of Nicholas Biebuyck, TAG Heuer’s heritage director, at Watches & Wonders, which should’ve been a hint that it was coming back!
“Paris” – Kith exclusive
Rounding off the Kith models are two steel versions, the first of which is this Paris model, which has an eggshell dial (sans pinstripes) and a green bezel. This model looks very similar to the shared model, swapping out black highlights for green. Also like the shared model, the 5, 10 and 15-minute markers on the bezel are differentiated in red as opposed to white.
“Los Angeles” – Kith exclusive
Finally, we have the Los Angeles, which is similar to the Paris but features a white dial and blue bezel. These two Kith-exclusive steel models are limited to 350 pieces, while the other Kith models are limited to only 250 pieces.
The box set
Kith and TAG Heuer are also offering a collectible box set containing all 10 watches. There are only 75 of these box sets available, with the watches within also denoting that they’re limited editions of 75 each rather than 250 or 350, etcetera. It’s also worth pointing out that there’s a price premium for the boxset, which retails for A$26,700 / US$18,000 / CHF 18,000 – which is 20% more than all 10 watches individually at retail (slightly more if you’re in Australia – call it another case of “Australia tax”!)
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith pricing and availability
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith models will be available in May 2024. The joint model is limited to 1,350 pieces, Kith-exclusive models are limited to 250 or 350 pieces per colour, TAG Heuer-exclusive models are limited to 825 pieces per colour. The box set of all ten watches is limited to 75 units. Price: A$2,200 / US$1,500 / CHF 1,500 (individual pieces); A$26,700 / US$18,000 / CHF 18,000 (box set).
| Brand | TAG Heuer |
| Model | Formula 1 Kith |
| Case Dimensions | 35mm (D) x 9.45mm (T) x 40mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, PVD-coated steel, Arnite |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front |
| Dial | Eggshell, black, white, yellow, pink, blue |
| Bracelet | Five-link steel bracelet, folding clasp Coloured rubber with Arnite pin buckle |
| Movement | Swiss quartz |
| Power Reserve | TBC |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | 250 pieces, Kith exclusive (WA126E.BT0009, WA126D.BT0008, WA126C.BT0007, WA126B.BT0006, WA126A.BT0005) 350 pieces, Kith exclusive (WA121P.BA0023, WA121N.BA0023) 825 pieces each, TAG Heuer exclusive (WA121L.BT0014, WA121J.BT0012) 1,350 pieces (WA121F.BA0023) 75 pieces (box set) |
| Price | A$2,200 / US$1,500 / CHF 1,500 (individual pieces) A$26,700 / US$18,000 / CHF 18,000 (box set) |