INTRODUCING: The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Racing Green is a gleaming green engine for the wrist
James RobinsonUnless you’re colour-blind, it’s patently obvious that green watches are the thing right now in watch world. It’s not just our industry that’s going through a green renaissance either – the highly versatile colour has also championed the revolution of custom, factory-painted sportscars. Don’t believe me? Check out this Insta page.
See what we mean? The verde adoration is real.
With this in mind, it borders on bizarre that TAG Heuer hadn’t already created a green-dialled version of their motorsport-inspired Formula 1 chronograph. If ever a watch could lay claim to ultimate automotive and motorsport inspiration, it’s the Formula 1.
The La Chaux-de-Fonds firm must have been thinking the same thing, because a short while ago, they dropped this – the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 16 Racing Green Ref.CAZ2016.
This could have been all about the green given the on-trend colour scheme, but it’s not. This is easily the best-looking iteration of the high-octane chrono we’ve seen in quite some time. The radially brushed, sunburst “Racing Green” dial possesses the same spirit as some of the most iconic race car liveries in history, with a metallic quality recalls a gleaming chassis. The way it can change colours depending on how much light it’s exposed to also means there’s a duality of personality that’s seldom found in TAG’s contemporaries.
Accompanying the gorgeous green are some striking hints of bright red, which can be found on the chronograph seconds hand, 30-minute totaliser (located at 12 o’clock) and 12-hour totaliser (located at 6 o’clock). The bright red treatment has also been given to the top chronograph pusher, the “Tachymetre” lettering on the fixed aluminium bezel and the centering 12 o’clock indicator of the minute track.
The dial has been adorned with a baton-style handset and indices, which are all filled with black Super-LumiNova. The date aperture, located at the 3 o’clock position, is simple and unassuming.
Like the rest of the Formula 1 range, this lush number wears large and in charge on the wrist, thanks to the stainless steel case measuring in at 44mm across and roughly 15mm thick. The beefy case features both polished and brushed elements, and the brushed caseback scores an engraving that features the chequered flag synonymous with motorsport, as well as the iconic TAG logo.
Inside the case you’ll find TAG Heuer’s Calibre 16 movement, better known to you and I as the hardworking Sellita SW500. Features include self-winding, chronograph complication, date complication, an operating frequency of 28,800 vph and 42 hours of power reserve.
The Formula 1 comes equipped with a race-inspired perforated black leather band with complementing green stitching, which has been paired to an engraved stainless steel deployant clasp.
While not technically a limited edition timepiece, TAG are calling this chrono a special edition, which means that it will only be sold during 2020.
Australian Pricing of the TAG Heuer Formula Racing Green
Priced at $4100 AUD, this Formula 1 may well be green but, in our books, it’s hitting nothing but purple sectors.