The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | family history
The Formula 1 is TAG Heuer's entry-level sport offering, named for the Formula One sponsorships that drove the brand's 1980s revival under Jack Heuer. Originally a quartz-only line with colorful sport aesthetics, the current Formula 1 Calibre 5 added an automatic movement in a more refined case, making it the most accessible TAG Heuer mechanical watch.
TAG Heuer's entry-sport line, launched 1986 as the brand's first watch to carry the Formula 1 branding, in quartz and later mechanical variants. The contemporary Formula 1 Calibre 5 Date (43mm, cal. TH20-00 Sellita base) is the family's accessible-mechanical entry point in TAG Heuer's sport-watch range.
1986-2000s · Original Formula 1: quartz sport
The original Formula 1 launched in 1986 as an explicitly youth-targeted, quartz-powered sport watch with colorful resin and steel cases. It was designed to capture the energy of Formula One racing at an accessible price. The 1980s and early 1990s vintage Formula 1 references in colorful resin have a small but growing retro collector following. Not in the Grail Atlas catalog.
No references from this era in the catalog yet.
2010-present · Formula 1 Calibre 5 automatic
TAG Heuer added the Calibre 5 automatic (Sellita SW200 base) to the Formula 1 line around 2012, creating the brand's most accessible mechanical watch. The 41mm stainless steel case with a ceramic insert bezel is clean and contemporary. At its price point, it is the most direct competition for the Hamilton Khaki Field and the Tissot T-Sport range, with the TAG Heuer brand name adding a modest resale premium.
How to read this family
Two honest questions for any Formula 1 buyer:
- Formula 1 or Carrera as an entry TAG Heuer? The Carrera starts at a higher price and carries the brand's watchmaking heritage story. The Formula 1 is explicitly the entry point. If budget is the constraint and you want a TAG Heuer mechanical on your wrist, the Formula 1 Calibre 5 is the correct starting point. If budget allows the Carrera, it is a more compelling watch.
- Does the Sellita base hold value for TAG Heuer? TAG Heuer uses Sellita movements in entry-level references. This is industry-standard practice at the Formula 1's price tier. The secondary market discounts TAG Heuer entry-level references more steeply than Carrera or Monaco references. Buy it to wear it, not to resell it.
Related families: Carrera · Longines HydroConquest
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The Formula 1 is TAG's entry tier -- the Calibre 5 automatic version sits at the bottom of the mechanical TAG lineup. The line has quartz roots from 1986 and the automatic is a more recent upgrade. It is positioned as the accessible TAG, priced to compete with fashion watches rather than serious Swiss sport.
- 1Open
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5 -- entry TAG, gets the Swiss automatic into a recognizable case at the lowest price.
- The case for it:
- Swiss automatic movement, TAG Heuer name, broad color availability. The Formula 1 is the most accessible way into a mechanical TAG. For gift-buying or entry collectors, it serves the purpose.
- Consider instead if:
- At the Formula 1 Calibre 5 price, Seiko 5 Sports and Hamilton Khaki Field offer comparable or better movements with more interesting design for significantly less money. The Formula 1 is a brand purchase, not a watch purchase. Buyers who care about the watch more than the logo should look elsewhere.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.