HISTORY: The TAG Heuer Formula 1 (Era Two: 1997-1999)

The Formula 1 seems to have stuttered to a halt by 1996, with that year's catalogue showing only two (first generation) watches, and the 1997 catalogue showing about the same, albeit of a new design. But the range did get it's own bespoke catalogue in 1998 which shows the new range in all its colourful glory. The resin case was well and truly gone as were the three handed and ladies models and the watches had now increased in size to 37mm.

TAG Heuer introduced a new rubber strap for the second generation of Formula 1 watches, the BT0700.


1997 CATALOGUE

The 1997 catalogue showed just three Formula 1 models, with revamped versions of the CA1210 (blue dial) and CA1211 (black dial) alongside a brand new orange dial chronograph (CA1214).

CA1210.BA0493: Blue/black dial, black bezel on a bracelet
CA1210.BT0700: Blue/black dial, black bezel on a black rubber strap
CA1211.BA0493: Black dial, black bezel on a bracelet
CA1211.BT0700: Black dial, black bezel on a black rubber strap
CA1214.BA0493: Orange/black dial, black bezel on a bracelet
CA1214.BT0700: Orange/black dial, black bezel on a black rubber strap


1998 FORMULA 1 CHRONOGRAPHS CATALOGUE

It's unclear whether the range was launched in stages or all at once, but the yellow, red and white dial versions do not appear in an official catalogue until 1998, although the CA1212 white dial had already been in the line-up previously in its original incarnation (as featured in the 1994/1995 SELECTION CATALOGUE discussed in part one).

CA1212.BA0493: White/black dial, black bezel on a bracelet
CA1212.BT0700: White/black dial, black bezel on a black rubber strap
CA1213.BA0493: Yellow/black dial, black bezel on a bracelet
CA1213.BT0700: Yellow/black dial, black bezel on a black rubber strap
CA1215.BA0493: Red/black dial, black bezel on a bracelet
CA1215:BT0700: Red/black dial, black bezel on a black rubber strap

It does seem slightly curious that TAG Heuer kept the part numbers for the black, blue and white dials given the drastic redesigns made to the dial... but I suppose the company viewed it as a straight swap with no overlap.


1999 CATALOGUE

The 1999 catalogue features only the black, white and orange dial versions of the watch and it's clear that the range is being downplayed. Having bought the company, LVMH now decided to try and take the brand upmarket and figured that the 'entry level' Formula 1 range with its gaudy colouring was not sending the right message. Consequently the range was dropped and would not re-appear until 2004.

Those colourful dials remain a hit with buyers to this day though, with the yellow dial in particular attracting something of a premium on the pre-owned market.


Visit the 'History of TAG Heuer' page HERE