Watches and Wonders: TAG Heuer’s Solargraph Nonet Delivers a Colorful Formula

Before the watchmaker’s current and ongoing role as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 racing, it served in that same position for an 11-year stint starting back in 1992. That’s why it’s particularly apt that for Watches and Wonders 2025, we get a festive new Formula 1 timepiece line from TAG Heuer that not only celebrates the shared names of the watch model and race organization but also colorfully explores the line’s iconic late 80s/early 90s heyday.
 

While the 38mm case size on the new Formula 1 Solargraphs instantly reference a bit of vintage-flavored fun, modern upgraded treatments like sandblasted steel and DLC coating, the addition of the available light-charged Solargraph movement (TH50-00), and a refined design approach utilizing the cutting-edge new color-bright TH-Polylight material bring this collection collectively across the modern finish line.
 

Furthermore, with thoughtful differentiation between each variant and a price point well under CHF 2K each, one might be tempted to take the entire new fleet home. However, you’ll need a bit of patience; each model will be released alongside a professional F1 racing event on the 2025 calendar. Let’s a look at the stunning livery, shall we?

The first in the series – the Ref. WBY1111.BA0042 – will make its official debut on May 2 during the Miami Grand Prix. Here, a clean white opaline dial drawn together with a red flange and red seconds hand gives way to a black bi-directional bezel and protected crown at 3 o’clock, all in a steel case. A sand-blasted three-row steel bracelet completes this classic; many budding collectors may have started their obsession with a similar Formula 1 back in the day (I know I did).
 

A slight variation on this model with a black rubber strap – the Ref. WBY111A.FT8106 – will debut later in the month on May 30 at the Barcelona Grand Prix.
 

The next reference in the collection – the Ref. WBY1114.FT8084 – takes a hard turn down a dark alley, pivoting to a 38mm black DLC steel case, black opaline dial, and rich black rubber strap with a black DLC steel pin buckle to fuel its engine. Pops of red and white, along with the entire collection’s signature lume, make this dark knight imminently legible.
 

Alongside the moody blue Ref. WBY1112.BA0042, a second iteration will also be unveiled on July 4 at the Silverstone Grand Prix: the REF. WBY1113.BA0042. Here, a particularly cheery take on British racing green takes over the outer flange and bezel on this white opaline-dialed TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph featuring a steel build and signature date aperture at 3 o’clock. It’s perfect for the UK F1 race at Silverstone.
 

Also bowing at the Monza race on September 5 is an all-red execution that will undoubtedly make for quite a spectacle: the Ref. WBY1161.FT8086. With its bold red case, bezel, and strap, the white opaline dial is particularly visually clean and prominent, especially through the anti-reflective sapphire crystal (a feature of all timepieces in this new collection.)
 

Last but certainly not least, the Ref. WBY1117.FT8087 will round out the collection on October 24 during the Mexico Grand Prix. A vibrant yellow outer dial flange and bi-directional bezel joins a brilliant yellow rubber strap to move the 38mm black DLC steel case and black opaline dial into a bi-color hive.

Apiary references aside, like the rest of the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph collection, this timepiece is certified to 100 meters of water resistance, which could create quite a buzz.