While TAG Heuer may not cater to the most devoted watch aficionados, it has firmly established itself as a popular entry point for men seeking luxury. Owned by LVMH since 1999, it’s one of many luxury brands controlled by the giant conglomerate that also owns Hublot, Bulgari, and others.
As a brand, it consistently produces batches of new watches, among them today’s feature, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph. It’s a car-enthusiast watch “designed for the daring,” they state. I, for one, have a soft spot for its petrolhead-focused look. So, before I bore you, let’s zoom into it more.
Design
The Formula 1 Chronograph, model number CBZ2082.FT8096, is a visual-pleaser that captures the essence of Formula 1. Its 44mm case, crafted from lightweight Grade 2 titanium, is durable and comfortable even for its size. It can be worn daily without any discomfort.
The sandblasted finish gives it a potent, modern aesthetic, ready for the track. Meanwhile, the DLC-coated aluminium tachymeter bezel adds a touch of sophistication. The black opalin dial, accented with red lacquered tracks, evokes the energy of night racing, with luminescent hands and indexes ensuring readability in any lighting condition.
Subtle nods further push the design to motorsport heritage. The pushers and screw-down crown, also made from Grade 2 titanium, are designed to withstand the rigours of high-performance environments. The black rubber strap is uncomplicated and stealthy.
Movement
At the heart of it lies the TAG Heuer Calibre 16, a robust automatic movement based on the ETA 7750. It is a movement adopted by many other great brands like Oris and IWC. Known for its reliability, this movement boasts a 42-hour power reserve. It also has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring respectful accuracy. The chronograph function is a must for any motorsport watch.
Pricing
Priced at £4,100, the watch proposes fair value for a timepiece of this calibre. Don’t be confused. It’s not an investment piece. Though I’d argue no watch should be. It’s available to buy via TAG Heuer and authorised dealers. It comes with a 2-year international warranty.
Though if you’re patient, the grey market will also have these at a much lesser price.
Final Thoughts
There is something amiable about this Formula 1 Chronograph. It’s nothing ground-breaking, but the colour combination and movement make it a fun watch. With so many options in terms of chronograph timepieces, this Formula 1 does well putting its hat in the ring in the entry-level luxury market.
The post Watch Spotlight: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph appeared first on Our Culture.
