It's time to bring back the original F1

Jim Dollares
Posts
10,347
Likes
13,590
Aquagraph Aquagraph
Damn, that's a great photo... makes me wonder why I sold mine.
Its quartz, its plastic, its tiny, its cheap. Oh and it aint no GC 😝
 
Mspeedster
Posts
8,770
Likes
17,818
Aquagraph Aquagraph
Damn, that's a great photo... makes me wonder why I sold mine.
Thanks! I was surprised you sold yours as well, which colors did you keep?
 
Aquagraph
Posts
22,627
Likes
32,245
I still have the black one with the red circle (which ironically was the first one I bought) and the lume dial/green bezel... funny that I liked them because they were colourful but the one I'm definitely keeping is mostly black.
 
N
Posts
68
Likes
45
Given the success of the MoonSwatch, there is a global demand for something like a Formula One reintro.

I would pay up to $500 for one and would visit the boutiques and collect the colorways that appealed to me.

I agree the new version should be a little bigger (36-38mm) than the 34mm original.

I still have the one I bought in the 1980s and while I have had to replace the strap and the movement, it is still a loved part of my collection.

FWIW, the MoonSwatch drove sales at both Omega and Swatch.

The question really is, should TAG/Heuer or Swatch make the new Formula One?
 
Aquagraph
Posts
22,627
Likes
32,245
For TAG to do this it would have to shift volume, people like me and you will not be enough to make it worthwhile. IMHO there is too much risk involved in this project for TAG to do it. I think whatever they do it won't be right and it won't be the right price...
 
Mspeedster
Posts
8,770
Likes
17,818
N njlam
Given the success of the MoonSwatch, there is a global demand for something like a Formula
The question really is, should TAG/Heuer or Swatch make the new Formula One?
Omega is owned by Swatch Group, so the collaboration between the two was easier. Not so easy to collaborate between Swatch & LVMH/TAG Heuer, as they're competitors. So if anyone were to do it, it would be TAG Heuer.
 
RushDom
Posts
269
Likes
659
Mspeedster Mspeedster
Omega is owned by Swatch Group, so the collaboration between the two was easier. Not so easy to collaborate between Swatch & LVMH/TAG Heuer, as they're competitors. So if anyone were to do it, it would be TAG Heuer.

True, but we do know that Hayek insisted multiple bioceramic prototypes were made, including one which was a watch definitely outside of the Swatch stable…anything is possible.

With regards to rereleasing the original Formula One watches - I think the main issue is the elasticity of the current Formula One range; selling a £218 version of a £6000 Speedmaster is easier than selling a £218 version of a £1000-1500 Formula One. For this reason, I just can’t see them recreating the original pieces.

What might be feasible is a line of plastic Monaco watches inspired by the colours and look of the original Formula One…that way you build up the “icon” status of the Monaco, introduce it to a new audience and - perhaps - ride the MoonSwatch hype train…
 
Aquagraph
Posts
22,627
Likes
32,245
The original cost £285 in today's money, no way is TAG making a watch that costs less than a Carrera strap.
 
CTL&R
Posts
2
Likes
5
I have a mint yellow and black F1. I bought it 10 years ago for a small amount. There was no interest in them then.

I have always thought to myself 'they should release this watch again, exaclty the same design, only bigger'

I'd buy one if they do. It's a great watch, great design, just a bit small.
 
N
Posts
68
Likes
45
The MoonSwatch was successful in its own right, and also drove sales to Omega.

Personally, I think its the colors that make these fun, and it doesn't cost much to buy a few of them. Great gifts...

A reintroduction of the 1980s Formula 1, or a colorful/plastic version of the Monaco could/would really be great.
 
bdev
Posts
288
Likes
652
You know what would happen to the prices of the vintage F1's if they bring it back? UP! UP! UP!
 
Aquagraph
Posts
22,627
Likes
32,245
Well then don't bring it back cos I sold all mine bar one.
 
Turpinr
Posts
644
Likes
2,267
I can't believe a supposed 'luxury' watch brand produced anything like these tacky plastic toy watches.
If Tag Heuer wants to (re)gain any prestige they should back away from these stories.
 
Pitfitter446
Posts
3,063
Likes
3,038
Turpinr Turpinr
I can't believe a supposed 'luxury' watch brand produced anything like these tacky plastic toy watches.
If Tag Heuer wants to (re)gain any prestige they should back away from these stories.
Started many owner on the TH journey ?
 
Aquagraph
Posts
22,627
Likes
32,245
Well, looking at it objectively. In 1986 TAG wasn't really a 'luxury' watchmaker. It was a mess, and the way to save the company from bankruptcy was to attack the Swatch market. Which they did. Very successfully. What the plastic F1 did was offer a way for thousands of younger people to wear a watch with the TAG logo on it and as Martin said above, a lot of those people went on to own S/ELs, 2000s and eventually Carreras and Monacos. I will say though, considering how old those watches are, and how many I've owned over the last few years, they seem very resillient. I had a red case/red strap/white dial that was pretty much keeping 2 seconds a week or something.
 
90 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Jeff Stein

My Posting on Hodinkee re the Origins of the Formula 1 Watch (1986)

Jeff Stein TAG Heuer Discussion
RockBurner
RockBurner
Posts
14
Views
564