A year ago when TAG Heuer dropped a ten-watch capsule collection designed in collaboration with the American fashion and lifestyle brand Kith, the Internet went wild. It was big news for a number of different cultural subgroups throughout the world. Firstly, the people who love watches in general, for whom any new launch was already a matter of importance; then there was the fashionable, trend-focused set who appreciate collaborations of any sort. There was, of course, the loyal customers of Kith, the sneakerheads and Ronnie Feig acolytes. And finally, those who felt an immediate reconnection with the TAG Heuer Formula 1. 

For this last group of customers, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith collection was a direct line back to some of the most memorable years of young adulthood. It had a distinct, transportive effect on everyone who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s. That was a time when all the cool kids sported a TAG Heuer Formula 1 on their wrists — before moving on to more serious models later on in life, such as the TAG Heuer Link or the TAG Heuer Aquaracer. In all likelihood, most of the people who wore a TAG Heuer Formula 1 back then were not necessarily big fans of the Grand Prix; people just really liked the youthful energy and vibrant style of these watches. It represented who they were and encouraged them to be bold and feel free to enjoy what they were putting on their wrists. It resonated with the zeitgeist.

Inspired by the original Series 1 watch, this Formula 1 Solargraph iteration features a blue opaline dial with a white flange (Image: Revolution ©)

Today, this zesty Millennial fan favorite has returned once again, but this time as a part of the permanent TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection which had just very recently introduced new high-tech mechanical chronograph models cased in Grade 2 titanium, fitted with DLC aluminum or forged-carbon bezels, and finished with bright lacquer color accents. The new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Date, on the other hand, leans much closer to the original 1986 watch both in spirit and in design — very similar to the TAG Heuer and Heuer style — but with one major upgrade, the Solargraph movement.

How does the Solargraph movement work?

Officially known as the caliber TH50-00, the Solargraph is TAG Heuer’s groundbreaking solar-powered movement developed to enhance efficiency and sustainability in watchmaking. Introduced in the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph collection in 2022, it eliminates the need for battery replacements by harnessing energy from both natural and artificial light sources.

A minute of light exposure powers the watch for a full day, ensuring constant precision without the need for battery replacements (Image: Revolution ©)

And it is not your garden-variety solar-powered movement either. A key feature of the TH50-00 movement is its rapid charging capability. Just two minutes of sunlight exposure can provide enough power for an entire day, while a full charge — achievable in approximately 40 hours — enables the watch to run for up to 10 months without additional light. Thanks to this ultra-efficient recharge time, if the watch ever stops ticking, it only needs exposure to any light source for just 10 seconds to be restarted again.

Unlike traditional quartz movements that require periodic battery changes, the TH50-00 is built with longevity in mind. The movement is housed beneath a translucent dial, allowing light to reach the solar cells without compromising on design aesthetics. This seamless integration ensures that the watch maintains TAG Heuer’s signature sporty and elegant appearance while demonstrating this avant-garde watch company’s vision toward eco-conscious engineering and sustainable horology.

In this version, a white opaline dial is framed by a black TH-Polylight bezel and blue case (Image: Revolution ©)

Limited to 1,500 pieces, with online pre-sales beginning September 2025 (Image: Revolution ©)

TAG Heuer has made every effort to stay true to the original. Collectors will appreciate how the heritage-inspired hands are a perfect throwback to that bygone era while also being proportionately sized. The watch now clocks in at a very breezy 38mm while the original was a tad bit smaller at 35mm. In addition to these upgrades, the bezel, which is one of the most definitive features of the TAG Heuer Formula 1, was also redesigned. Being inspired by early dive watches, the bi-directional “daisy” bezel has more pronounced grooves and notches all around, one at every five-minute interval. 

One key improvement here that needs to be felt rather than seen, is the bezel turning mechanism which offers a smoother, more qualitative sensation. Formerly made of composite material, it is now produced in a bio-sourced material called TH-Polylight, further emphasizing TAG Heuer’s sustainability-forward approach to watch design. Offering strength and lightness, it has the same understated matte finish found in the OG TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection.

Other details that have been tastefully refined include the hour markers which are now applied, rather than printed. The TAG Heuer shield logo at the 12, six and nine o’clock positions have also been reworked to reflect a modernized geometry. The watch is now obviously endowed with the latest TAG Heuer logo, and the case has a sandblasted finish with sloping integrated lugs described as “décroché” for improved wrist ergonomics. Finally, the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Date features a slightly larger diameter than the original 35mm model. It measures 45.2mm from lug to lug and has a thickness of just under 10mm.

The new Formula 1 Date combines sandblasted steel with TH-Polylight for the turning bezel

So all this makes the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Date a rather different kettle of fish, however one that remains in close touch with its vibrant past while brandishing the latest technology. It was also clearly conceived with a sustainable future in mind, which is a matter of fundamental importance to today’s young generation.

Priced between CHF 1,750 and CHF 1,850, this is the watch that will actually make collecting fun again.