The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix turned out to be rather 'dramatic' didn't it? And almost farcical in the way it set up Formula 1 for a three way finale in Abu Dhabi. Honestly, if this season was a film we'd all be tutting and saying it was 'far-fetched' wouldn't we? So perhaps it's only fitting that TAG Heuer released a pair of (slightly) 'dramatic' looking new Formula 1's in the days leading up to the race, following the pattern that's prevailed throughout the year of 'associating' new F1 Solargraphs with Grand Prix without going as far as explicitly naming them for the races. Maybe Liberty Media wanted even more money for that? 🤣
So really what we have here is nothing particularly dramatic or new, but rather a variation on an existing theme and with both still drawing inspiration from a 'classic' Formula 1 model, the 377.513. I think these black-cased F1 Solargraphs look by far the best and I think the bright pink provides a nice contrast to the overall darkness. Both of these models are limited to 1000 pieces and both carry the text 'One of 1000' on the backplate; which doesn't overly bother me, but is sure to annoy some members of the Council... and you'll sometimes see them point out that they've given an extra point when a watch is properly numbered.
I think the pink and black colour scheme is great, but I'm interested to see if TAG Heuer bring out a black Solargraph with lime green highlights (to match the Calibre 16 they've already released) or indeed a black with blue highlights. No doubt those have already been earmarked for 2026 'Grand Prix' editions. I wonder if they will launch all* next year's F1 Solargraphs at 'Watches and Wonders' like they did this year, or will they just drop them on us throughout the year?
*Not quite 'all' as it turned out I guess!
Not even Christmas and I'm already mulling over the 2026 release schedule... 🤣
Okay, so the 44mm Calibre 16 is currently priced at £4350, while the 38mm Solargraph is £1650... I say currently because I'm hearing whispers about a pretty horrendous price rise coming in January. So if these pink beauties rock your boat then you might want to think about securing yours before the ripples from the US tariffs take effect. Yeah, yeah, Trump reduced the tariffs to 15%, I know.... but it seems like Switzerland already set their new prices based on 39% and they ain't about to climb down now. Which is sad, because it's just making the possibility of buying any brand new TAG Heuer ever again seem like a more and more remote possibility. At least for me...
Okay, so now (for what seems like the 300th time this year already) it's time to hand these over to the 'Council of Considered Opinion' and see what they have to say this time.
Solargraph 8.5/10, Chronograph 7/10: "No shock here, but I love the colour scheme on these two! Not as much of a fan of the retro F1’s but this is the best one so far. This is also the best of the new style F1 Chrono’s too."
Solargraph 6.5/10, Chronograph 7.5: "I actually like The look of the new Calibre 16 F1 watches along with the hot pink, black aesthetic. This is lovely. A lot to like with the Solargraph too, the pink and black compliment each other well, shame about the shiny crown still..."
Solargraph 7/10, Chronograph 7/10: "In my opinion the pink Solargraph is one of the most successful (to date) of the 're-imagined' vintage F1 designs although the polished steel crown is jarring (black would have been better). No idea why it needs to be limited. The colourway also works well on the Chronograph and the black and pink crown looks great."
Solargraph 8/10, Chronograph 5/10: "I love the solargraph! Unfortunately the chrono is a 5/10 for me because I just don’t like the case shape."
Solargraph 8/10, Chronograph 8/10: "I really think that the new Formula 1 automatic chronograph is a good looking watch."
Solargraph 8.5/10, Chronograph 8/10: "I have ordered the Solargraph, the other one is nice too."
Solargraph 7.5/10, Chronograph 6.5/10: "Nothing if not aren't prolific aren't they! Solargraph, quite a nice colourway. Obviously very reminiscent of the old 377.513 which is no bad thing. I'm not wholly sold on the Solargraph, prefer the originals balance aesthetically but this is a nice enough watch and very wearable. The Calibre 16 looks ok and the colours work well. Heavy on price at £4350 for what is a 7750 chrono. Looks like an aluminium bezel insert which is very disappointing at that price."
Solargraph 5/10, Chronograph 5.5/10: " 'Speed' on the chronograph's tachymeter continues to look silly, and I would score it higher otherwise. As is, 5/10."
Solargraph 4/10, Chronograph 6/10: "Not pink enough."
Solargraph 7/10, Chronograph 8/10: "I agree, if you're gonna go pink, then fÏ…cking go all in pink!"
Solargraph 8/10, Chronograph 6/10: "I really like the jazzy pink on the Solargraph. The other one is let down as always by the pointless block text on the bezel. I assume the next will be some different narcotic…."
Solargraph 8/10, Chronograph 8.5/10: "I like these - I'm not usually a fan of pink but these both are pretty cool. Wouldn't be a daily, but a fun weekend watch. Well done!"
Solargraph 8/10, Chronograph 7/10: "Nice, nice. Better in the Solargraph in my view. And it looks better than the original because of the black case."
Solargraph 7/10, Chronograph 7/10: "The pink-on-black colourway is striking. Won't be surprised if my wife wants the solargraph model."
Solargraph 8/10, Chronograph 7/10: "The automatic F1 looks good. The pink comes out strong. This is the opposite of the solar. Here the pink is somewhat orange/red. I think the pink is more subtle here (although this may be the pictures)."
Solargraph 8.25/10, Chronograph 7.75/10: "I like the F1 Solargraph models more in general, so it gets an 8.25/10."
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