Orange Crush: TAG Heuer Drops a Bright Revamp of the Original Metal F1 Watch

In 1986, TAG Heuer unveiled the first metal watch in its Formula 1 series, followed by a bright orange version later that same year. This iconic watch, known as the 373.513 or WA1213, marked the first metal case for the F1 series and was available in green, black, and blue models. The bright orange 373.513 was reintroduced in 2025 as part of the Solargraph F1 series, further cementing its status as a collector's item.

The 38-mm Zandvoort solar F1 watch, named after the Dutch circuit, features a larger case size than its original 28-mm and 35-mm counterparts. However, TAG Heuer has retained key elements from the original design, including the gray opalin dial and the orange rubber strap, which is now a three-row sand-blasted affair. Unlike the original straps, the new model lacks the V-shaped grooves, as TAG no longer wanted customers to cut them down for convenience.

TAG Heuer's Eddy Burgener, who designed the original F1 in the 1980s, revealed that the watches were initially intended for surfers and divers, not just racing enthusiasts. The bright, popping colors were crucial to the original design, with synthetic materials chosen over traditional fiberglass and plastic to create a more robust, eco-friendly sports watch. The new F1 Solargraph series features TH-Polylight, a castor-based bioplastic, replacing the old "Arnite" thermoplastic used in the original models.

Limited to just 1,500 pieces, the orange rubber strap model of the new Zandvoort F1 watch is an exclusive online release, while only 1,000 units have the bracelet version. Both models will be available for order next week, but interested buyers must sign up to receive notifications when they become available.