Zandvoort’s Final Lap: The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition For The Last Dutch Grand Prix
After 35 years of absence, the Dutch Grand Prix returned to Zandvoort in 2021. It almost seemed impossible at first to organize such a global event in the small beach town. The circuit received a few necessary updates, and encouraging people to come by bike and shuttle from Amsterdam worked. On August 23rd, the final Dutch Grand Prix will take place in Zandvoort. To say a proper goodbye, TAG Heuer releases a limited edition Formula 1 Solargraph in orange, of course.
The five Dutch Grands Prix have been a real party up to now. Fans created a true sea of orange, with plenty of entertainment around the circuit, and, of course, the spectacular racing we’ve come to expect from Formula 1. Max Verstappen won the first three editions on his home turf. Let’s see if he can work some magic on this final outing on Dutch asphalt. Which watch will you see on his wrist for the weekend? Probably the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition in orange.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Zandvoort Limited Editions
Just as the Dutch Grand Prix returned to Zandvoort, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 also made a comeback last year. It was reintroduced in 38 mm instead of 35mm, in various color combinations, and some were limited editions for specific Grand Prix. And, as the name suggests, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 is now also powered by a solar-powered movement instead of a conventional battery-powered one. Recently, TAG Heuer added a few pastel-colored versions to the collection. The brand keeps introducing fun and new editions every once in a while, including today’s Zandvoort limited editions.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Zandvoort Limited Editions both feature the same 38mm sand-blasted case with a thickness of 9.9mm and a lug span of 45.2mm. You can choose between a version with a matching orange strap or one with a three-row stainless steel bracelet (available exclusively online).
Inside is the TH50-00 solar-powered quartz movement, made by La Joux-Perret, which charges through the opaline gray dial. One minute of light already provides enough power for a full day. However, if you want the full ten months of power reserve, you’ll have to charge it for 40 hours. Don’t worry, though, if you wear the watch on your wrist, you shouldn’t even have to think about charging it, as it happens automatically. If you store the watch in a drawer and it runs out of power reserve, just hold it in the light for about ten seconds to wake it up again. The movement has an expected life span of about 15 years before it needs to be replaced.
A sea of orange
Of course, it wasn’t very difficult to come up with the color for the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition of the final Dutch Grand Prix. Anyone who’s been to the race or seen it on TV knows that the stands turn into a sea of orange as fans wait for the lights to go out.
Original orange TAG Heuer Formula 1 in 35mm from the ’90s (Image: eBay)
The funny thing is, though, TAG Heuer didn’t even have to draw up with a completely new version of the Formula 1. Nacho kindly sent me pictures of the original TAG Heuer Formula 1 in bright orange from the ’90s. You can still find many of those available pre-owned (on eBay, for example).
So, the new 38mm TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph looks almost exactly the same as the 35mm original from the ’90s. The opaline gray dial with orange and red printing and red lacquered hands is still there. As with the other reeditions, the hour markers are now applied, and the text on the dial changed from “Professional 200 Meters Quartz” to “Formula 1 Solargraph Swiss Made“. The bezel, made of TAG Heuer’s bio-polyamide resin, is still bright orange and features white text.
On the stainless steel caseback, there’s a checkered engraving featuring the TAG Heuer logo. It also mentions that this is a limited edition and that the Formula 1 has a water resistance rating of 100m.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Zandvoort on the wrist
Of course, this is the perfect colorway for the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph as a tribute to the last Dutch Grand Prix. The bright orange bezel and minute track stand out when you check the time. They contrast nicely against the gray dial and case. If I had to choose, I’d probably go for the version on the orange strap. I’m Dutch, so why not go all in, right? However, I can imagine the one on the bracelet is a bit more universally wearable.
I still think TAG Heuer did a great job with the Formula 1 reedition. The 38mm size is better than the original 35mm. In addition, the solar-powered movement makes it the perfect grab-and-go watch. I would’ve loved a perpetual calendar function for the date, though. That would make it an even more worry-free watch to wear. Still, if you’re into Formula 1 and looking for a watch to go with the hobby, I think the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph is a great pick. I’m sure many Dutch watch fans will try to get their hands on one of these Zandvoort Limited Editions.
Limited to 1.500 and 1.000 pieces
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Zandvoort Limited Editions cost €2,100 with a rubber strap. If you want it on the bracelet, it’ll set you back €2,200. The one on the rubber strap is limited to 1,500 pieces, while only 1,000 are available on the bracelet. The latter is also an e-commerce-exclusive, meaning it isn’t available in physical stores. If you’ll be in Zandvoort for the occasion, we’ve also heard that a number of the watches will be available for purchase there. For more information, check out the official TAG Heuer website.
What do you think of the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Zandvoort Limited Editions? Let me know in the comments below.
