This must be about the 12th TAG Heuer Red Bull / Max Verstappen watch we've had by now (I probably ought to update Jim's '5 Years of Red Bull watches' post at some point) and it's fair to say they've been a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand we have the original (and best) CAZ1018, a watch that I still believe was originally designed with no reference to Red Bull and just happened to be 'blue' at the right moment and then some of the more recent pieces that were more 'Red Bullish' in colour, but just not very successful in my opinion.
So now we have this, brand new Formula 1 Solargraph, which at first glance doesn't really look terribly 'Red Bullish' either... however it was pointed out to me that Red Bull have adopted a slightly lighter blue this year for some of their team merchandise (and their car, though it still looks fairly dark to me on TV). Yeah, not sure about that, but let's just remember that using Red Bull's actual colours didn't work out that well and move on shall we!
This is is definitely one of the nicer F1 Solargraphs we've had so far (and they are racking them up at a bit of a pace, I should do a post about that before the end of the year perhaps) and from all the photos I've seen it looks very crisp, with a beautiful shade of blue used on the dial and bezel. The red and yellow highlights set it off nicely and perhaps hint at the Red Bull connection to be found on the back plate.
While they 'could' have plastered the Red Bull logo across the dial (like they did with the Indy 500 logo), I'm kind of glad they didn't. Sometimes it's better to be subtle and of course it opens up the possibility of selling the watch to someone who has no real interest in Formula 1, but who just appreciates the vibrant colour scheme.
PHOTO: The Brown Hope (via THF Forum)
As an additional bonus, because this isn't a chronograph you don't get the divisive 'SPEED' text on the bezel (though I hear there is a solar chronograph coming very soon, and it's being used for a new watch with an F1 connection - watch this space!) and of course you can change out the bracelet for the rubber straps found on other models. I've already seen this one wearing yellow, red and black rubber straps (the blue rubber strap is a bit too dark I believe) and it looks quite good on all of them. Just as well because I'm not crazy about these bracelets; I always preferred the rubber straps on the 80/90s models and these new bracelets have a very odd finish to them.
Okay, I gave this 7.5/10, which may be a little mean on reflection... but I have to factor in an extra £100 for a rubber strap on top of the already steep £1900 purchase price. So yeah, I think 7.5 is about right actually. It's a shame TAG Heuer didn't include a lighter blue rubber strap in the package, but from their perspective this will probably sell well enough without it.
Surprisingly this is not a 'Limited Edition', which is a bit odd considering about 80% of all F1 Solargraphs so far have been. Perhaps they think this might sell well enough to consider making more than originally planned? Don't know. Anyway, let's throw this one into the Council's chamber and see what they make of it...
8/10: "Not red enough for red bull or Oracle. But the on the wrist shots sell this much better than the render, the blue really pops. This is the best Solargraph f1 so far (including the one I own). Watch of the Year!"
6/10: "I'm not a huge fan of the F1 Solargraph... I should appreciate the continuity of its history, which dates back to the '90s, but I think they're expensive for what they represent. Same goes for the Red Bull Special Edition, in my opinion. Okay, I appreciate the sunburst dial and the more vibrant blue. Overall, it's nothing to get excited about. A fair 6/10."
7.5/10: "I like it, but also would have liked to see some Red Bull branding on the front. Looking forward to the next new colourway!"
6/10: "It looks nice, attractive colourway. Just all seems a bit lazy, screw a fancy caseback on and call it a special edition. Needs something on the dial to indicate the Red Bull connection. I can see why they didn't though, there isn't a lot of free space. There are better ways to spend £1900 in my view and I much prefer the Indy edition."
6/10: "Basically, meh. There's nothing special on the face that indicates "Red Bull". Just looks like an ordinary F1 Solargraph. Seems like a rather lazy release, nothing more than a slight colour change and different engraving on the case back."
7/10: "This latest variation of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph looks sleek, sharp, and crisp. At the same time, it doesn't go overboard with the Red Bull branding. It even manages to retain a somewhat understated, neutral touch - if that's even possible with the bold, colourful, and playful designs in this collection. Personally, I would have liked to see a few more Red Bull details, particularly on the dial. Still, I think it's another great addition to the Formula 1 line-up, especially for Red Bull fans."
6/10: "I like it, sucker for a blue watch. But I have no desire for anything Red Bull and it's a tad on the expensive side."
6/10: "For fans of Red Bull Racing and the Solargraph, this one looks nice enough; however, as nearly always with TAG Heuer these days, price is too high for what it is."
8/10: "Interesting colourway - not a big fan of the material - love the movement - love the design."
8/10: "The perfect gift for a child starting first grade and needs their first watch.👍🏻"
7/10: "Hey, that's a shame! I was actually waiting for a RB version (without a logo on the dial) but then a chrono. Very disappointing.."
7.5/10: "Based purely on looks, I like the standard blue F1 more than this new RB. I rated the standard blue 8.5/10, so I'll give the RB a score of 7.5/10."
7/10: "I agree, I also prefer the standard blue version to this -lazy- RB Special Edition. It’s a 7/10 for me."
6/10: "Not too keen on Red Bull."
7.5/10: "I like it, the dial is a gorgeous blue. A blue rubber strap would have been even better but still good as is."
7/10: "Saw this on the weekend. Nice sunburst dial gives it a point of difference from the others."
7/10: "7/10 for me for the design but not very RBR."
7.5/10: "Not bad, easily legible, I’m sure I could get a discount at my AD so. 7.5/10."
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