LoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyEver since WIRED reported last year on how TAG Heuer remade its classic Formula 1 watch series, we've been waiting for a particular model to be revamped in TAG's new larger, solar-powered guise.
The iconic bright orange 373.513, which later carried the model number WA1213, is not from the very first three-watch Formula 1 release revealed back in 1986, but it followed immediately after, and sported, along with green, black and blue models, the first metal case for the F1.
Finally, joining TAG's 2025 relaunch of the series, the 373.513 is returning as part of the Solargraph F1s—and although it doesn't carry any official designation, it seems it's already being called “the Zandvoort” in watch circles as the piece is supposedly here to mark the final Dutch Grand Prix taking place at the celebrated circuit at Zandvoort.
The new limited-edition 38 mm “Zandvoort” TAG F1, on rubber or steel bracelet.
Like the rest of the new Formula 1 watches, the 38 mm Zandvoort solar F1 is larger than the original 28 mm and 35 mm versions, but, like the originals, it comes on either an orange rubber strap ($2,150) or steel bracelet (for $2,250, however, on this 2026 version, the bracelet is a three-row sand-blasted affair rather than the original five-row).
Aside from the case-size change and alteration to the bracelet, pleasingly, much remains the same from the original 80s versions. The gray opalin dial mirrors the 1980s hue, and the design on the orange rubber strap either side of the metal case that mirrors the TAG logo is retained.
The original concept target market for the F1 was young surfers and divers…
… not the driving enthusiasts that TAG looked to engage with when the F1 dropped in the 80s.
One element of the 80s F1 rubber straps that has not carried over to the new collection, though, is the V-shaped grooves on the bottom portion of the original straps. TAG made the 80s rubber straps extra long so surfers and divers could wear the F1s over wetsuits. The V-shaped grooves meant these could easily be cut down to a desired length—particularly useful if you were just going to wear it on the wrist and not in the waves. Clearly, TAG doesn't want anybody cutting up its new rubber straps.
I've wanted a classic original orange TAG F1 for years, and finally managed to pick one up earlier this year, although it is the later WA1213 model. Eddy Burgener, who designed the TAG F1 in the 80s, has stated that bright, popping colors were key to the original collection, and that the models were not, initially at least, thought of as being linked to driving but watersports instead.
Speaking to watch site Hodinkee last year, Burgener said TAG was “trying to create a new style of watches for American surfers, divers, and other young folks heading for the beach,” so the brief was to create a new watch that was fun, colorful, and young, emulating the bright surfboards and the clothes surfers were wearing at the time.
WIRED's original WA1213 35 mm orange TAG F1 still going strong.
To nail the bright colors, Burgener stated that the case had to be synthetic, which then added the complication of trying to make a diver's watch using synthetic materials, something that was incredibly difficult at the time. In the end, they settled on a mixture of fiberglass and plastic as the base material for increased hardness and stability.
TAG's solar F1s now sport a form of bioplastic—a more eco-friendly castor-based polyamide which the brand has named TH-Polylight—replacing the old “Arnite” thermoplastic. As before, this is molded over a steel inner core, making for a sports watch that's more robust than most plastic-cased equivalents.
By the time TAG's “young” watch was introduced in 1986, the company had entered the racing world, and so the range duly adopted the name “Formula 1”, with the thinking that the F1s bright colors and durable construction would appeal to both young divers and drivers. Regardless of the original target market, the F1 was an immense commercial success, surpassing 3 million units sold before the line was initially shelved.
The new F1 Solargraph orange rubber strap model is limited to 1,500 pieces, while only 1,000 are available on the bracelet, which is also an online exclusive, so not available in physical stores. Both watches will be available to order next week, but you can sign up to get notification on when they drop now.
