TAG Heuer marks the final Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort with two 38mm Formula 1 Solargraph limited editions inspired by the circuit’s unmistakable orange atmosphere.
Available on either a vivid orange rubber strap or a three-link steel bracelet, both models pair retro Formula 1 styling with the practicality of TAG Heuer’s light-powered Solargraph movement.
Limited to 1,500 and 1,000 pieces respectively, the duo captures one of Formula 1’s most passionate race weekends just as Zandvoort prepares to bow out of the calendar.
In a few weeks, Formula 1 returns to Zandvoort for one final Dutch Grand Prix. The dunes will once again disappear behind clouds of orange smoke, grandstands packed with Max Verstappen supporters as the Orange Army creates one of the sport’s most recognisable atmospheres. With the race preparing to leave the calendar, TAG Heuer has chosen the moment to commemorate it with two appropriately vivid Formula 1 Solargraph limited editions.
The pair share the latest 38mm Formula 1 Solargraph platform, but lean heavily into the visual identity of Zandvoort. The sandblasted steel case gives the watch a purposeful matte finish, while the oversized orange TH-Polylight bezel immediately recalls the endless orange shirts, flags and smoke flares that have become synonymous with race weekend.
The familiar daisy-style bezel remains one of the defining signatures of the Formula 1 collection, and alongside 100 metres of water resistance, a sapphire crystal and compact proportions, this feels like one of the strongest executions of the revived Formula 1 yet. It’s also nice to see TAG Heuer continuing to embrace smaller case sizes, with the 38mm format feeling much closer in spirit to the colourful originals from the late 1980s, and they’re certainly proving popular with TAG fans.
The dial follows the same theme without becoming overwhelming. A soft grey opaline base provides a neutral backdrop for the bright orange chapter ring and vivid red accents, creating plenty of contrast without sacrificing legibility. The red lacquered hands and applied hour markers are filled with eggshell Super-LumiNova that glows green in the dark, while the distinctive shield-shaped markers at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock preserve one of the Formula 1 collection’s longest-running design cues. It’s a colour combination that could easily have tipped into novelty, but the unusual, restrained grey centre keeps everything balanced, allowing the orange elements to stand out even more.
Inside both watches sits TAG Heuer’s TH50-00 Solargraph movement, which continues to be one of the most compelling alternatives to a conventional battery-powered quartz calibre. The movement is charged by both natural and artificial light, requiring just a minute of direct sunlight to provide enough energy for an entire day of operation. A full charge takes less than 40 hours of light exposure and delivers up to ten months of autonomy in complete darkness, while the accumulator itself is designed to last for around 15 years before replacement becomes necessary. For a watch intended to be thrown on and worn without a second thought, it’s difficult to argue with that level of convenience.
The biggest decision buyers will have to make is how much orange they want on the wrist. The first reference is limited to 1,500 pieces and pairs the watch with a bright orange rubber strap that turns the colour up to maximum, giving it an unapologetically summery, trackside feel. The second, limited to 1,000 pieces and available exclusively online, swaps that for a sandblasted three-link steel bracelet, toning things down while perhaps making the watch seem more mature and a little more serious. Both are presented in dedicated limited-edition packaging, so it really comes down to whether you’re leaning towards full Orange Army or something a little more understated.
With Formula 1 enjoying unprecedented global popularity, it’s cool to see a watch like this marking Zandvoort’s farewell. Thankfully, TAG Heuer has fully committed to the vibrant orange, Dutch sports theme, but done it in a way that doesn’t look too obvious. These two Formula 1 Solargraph editions capture the atmosphere that has defined the Dutch Grand Prix over the last few years, and it’s a fitting way to commemorate the event. Whether or not you’re a Verstappen supporter, there’s no mistaking what inspired them the moment that unmistakable flash of orange catches your eye.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph x Zandvoort F1 pricing and availability
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph x Zandvoort F1 is now available via the brand’s network of authorised retailers, with the steel bracelet model exclusively available online via the TAG Heuer website. Price: CHF2,000/€2,100/£1,800/US$2,150 (rubber strap), CHF2,100/€2,200/£1,900/US$2,250 (steel bracelet)
Brand
TAG Heuer
Model
Formula 1 Solargraph x Zandvoort F1
Reference
WBY111H.FT8128 (rubber strap)
WBY111L.BA0042 (steel bracelet)
Case Dimensions
38mm (D) x 10.2 mm (T) x 42mm (LTL)
Case Material
Stainless steel
Water Resistance
100 metres
Crystal(s)
Sapphire front
Dial
Grey opaline dial, orange/red chapter ring
Bracelet
Orange rubber strap, pin buckle
Stainless steel three-link bracelet, folding clasp
Movement
TH50-00, solar quartz
Autonomy
10 months
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Availability
Limited to 1,500 pieces (rubber strap)
Limited to 1,000 pieces (steel bracelet)
Price
CHF2,000/€2,100/£1,800/US$2,150 (rubber strap)
CHF2,100/€2,200/£1,900/US$2,250 (steel bracelet)