After the hullabuloo (and disappointment, frankly) of Watches & Wonders 2024, it was refreshing to see TAG Heuer sneak out a couple of nice looking Calibre 16 Formula 1 chronographs just after the show ended. I don't really know why they weren't shown at W&W, but for me these are the best things TAG Heuer have released so far this year!
Luckily, I actually managed to try both the blue and green models on in the Regent Street branch of Watches of Switzerland so this post will serve as both a 'First Impressions' and an 'On the Wrist'.
Both watches are 44mm, so ever so slightly larger than the three handers, but in line with previous Calibre 16 releases. I have to say I thought they were 43mm, so they certainly don't feel 'oversized'.
From the renders I thought I would prefer the green over the blue, especially since I rather liked the 'Christian Uhren Schmuck' limited edition green/orange three hander that came out a few years ago (WAZ1017), but once I got them in front of me it was a clear (but close) win for the the blue.
The orange second hand (with the cool TAG Heuer shield detail) really pops on both these watches, though I could live without the orange band around the crown. Actually I really rather dislike that one element as it does look quite cheap to me, and at £3300 this is emphatically not a 'cheap' watch.
I think these will be popular though and for those of us who don't like paying full retail I can imagine these being quite attractive on the pre-owned market (or once they get old enough that the ADs start discounting).
Price aside, this is really TAG Heuer's bread and butter and where they really ought to be focussing their attention. With their old fashioned movements, unrefined bracelets and white date windows no doubt watchionistas will consider these 'Mall Watches', but I'm sure the vast majority of people who buy these will be more than happy with their purchase.
Okay, let's turn these over to the 'Council of Considered Opinion'... but before we do, I just wanted to let you know that on Tuesday I will be posting Jim Dollares and I's annual 'Watches & Wonders' coverage. And then, once that's out of the way... we will of course be moving on to the new Kith Heuer Formula 1s. And the Council have some pretty strong opinions on those let me tell you! 🤣
Green 8/10, Blue 9/10: "I love the F1 range, and seeing the blue and orange combo on the calibre 16 is awesome! I might end up buying one from my AD if they come around."
Green 6/10, Blue 6/10: "Both handsome watches, I like the colorways. They're also laughably overpriced at this point though and it'll be interesting to see them flood the grey market when they don't sell well at list price."
Green 6/10, Blue 7/10: "I like the seconds hand with the TH logo."
Green 7/10, Blue 6/10: "Solid efforts both of them, but like the green one better."
Green 8/10, Blue 8.5/10: "I like both, and a blue/orange combo is always welcome (for Gulf livery lovers)."
Green 6/10, Blue 6/10: "Not bad for a Valjoux 7750 chronographs. Visually they look interesting."
Green 6/10, Blue 5/10: "Nice colours, shame about the size. And over £3k for an F1 is a bit much in my opinion."
Green 7/10, Blue 7/10: "These look great. Nothing earth shattering about them, but good color choices and I especially I like the pop of orange on both."
Green 7/10, Blue 7/10: "Blue and orange will be the safer choice between these two."
Green 6/10, Blue 5/10: "I really like both colours and the use of Orange over the usual Red is always welcome for me. Sadly, there’s plenty out there which I would choose over these at this price point."
Green 6/10, Blue 6/10: "Solid TAG Heuer watches. Too bad about the size."
Green 7/10, Blue 7/10: "I like the TH shield at the second hand."
Green 6/10, Blue 6/10: "I saw them last week in Boutique. Large and heavy."
Green 6.5/10, Blue 5/10: "Price a little high, size a little too large, but finally, two overall aesthetically pleasing pieces from TAG Heuer.
Green 6.5/10, Blue 6/10: "These two don't move the needle much for me and 44mm is too large for my taste (& wrist)."
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