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

Jeff Stein · Mar 30, 2025

I hope that members of the community will enjoy my interview with Eddy Burgener, the man who designed the Formula 1 watch, back in 1986.

For me, this interview was full of surprises, primarily the fact that rather than being designed as TAG Heuer's response to the Swatch, in fact TAG Heuer was targeting young divers, surfers and swimmers, folks who were wearing the new Casio digital watches.

Here's a link to the posting -- In Depth: The Surprising Origins of TAG Heuer's Formula 1 Watches

Jeff

bdev · Mar 30, 2025

Very good read. I never gave much thought about the watch design but now understand it. Maybe there would be less TAG Heuer "haters" if they read your article. I don't agree with TAG with their decision to place FORMULA1 on the plastic case but do understand why they chose to do so. You could make the argument that there was one Formula1 car that found its way in Monaco bay. 🤿

mattp · Mar 30, 2025

Indeed, an interesting interview. Especially since many of my watches are from his hand. Now I finally know the origin of the movement of my F1 chrono. (Roventa-Henex)

Mspeedster · Mar 30, 2025

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Better than the origin stories of some superheroes.

My first two Swiss watches were the Formula 1 and 2000, both designed by Eddy. I used to surf back then, I guess I was the specific American target demo the watch was designed for. But I bought the Formula 1 because of my love of Formula 1.

drockadam · Mar 30, 2025

Great interview! Loved reading it. The "Prepare to Submerge" ad is so awesome! Here's my WA1211 from 1994 that I restored last year.

Hubert · Mar 30, 2025

Some of us were commenting on the other thread. Great interview @Jeff Stein

Jeff Stein · Mar 30, 2025

Thanks, guys.

Eddy has amazing recall and provided some interesting insights. The whole Swatch vs Casio vs Formula 1 was fascinating.

Jeff

RockBurner · Mar 30, 2025

Makes me even more interested in getting hold of one.

Nice interview!

Anthony. · Mar 30, 2025

Excellent read. Thanks for putting this together. Looking forward to what you have to bring from W&W.

Aquagraph · Apr 2, 2025

Very interesting Jeff. Given the history as a dive watch it's a shame the new ones don't have a lume pip on the bezel isn't it?

Mspeedster · Apr 2, 2025

Aquagraph
Given the history as a dive watch it's a shame the new ones don't have a lume pip on the bezel isn't it?

What's worse is the new one is only rated 100 meters. At least the KITH Heuer retained the 200 meters rating. Go figure?

Aquagraph · Apr 2, 2025

Mspeedster
What's worse is the new one is only rated 100 meters. At least the KITH Heuer retained the 200 meters rating. Go figure?

Oh really? Well I guess that's more than enough water resistance for me, but still...

Hubert · Apr 5, 2025

Mspeedster
What's worse is the new one is only rated 100 meters. At least the KITH Heuer retained the 200 meters rating. Go figure?

It would have been good to have a screw-down crown, but I understand that also would have set a precedent against the Carrera and other lines with comparable depth resistance.

Mspeedster · Apr 5, 2025

Hubert
It would have been good to have a screw-down crown, but I understand that also would have set a precedent against the Carrera and other lines with comparable depth resistance.

Except a screw down isn’t necessary to have 200m wr. Neither the OG or Kith have screw down crowns and are both rated 200m.

RockBurner · Apr 7, 2025

Mspeedster
Except a screw down isn’t necessary to have 200m wr. Neither the OG or Kith have screw down crowns and are both rated 200m.

Maybe some beta-testing has changed their minds?