An early Formula 1 from TAG Heuer, in one of the most popular colourways and with a new strap.  Model reference 385.513/1.

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 range was launched in 1986 as a more upmarket and prestigious alternative to Swatch watches, which since Swatch launched in 1983 had proved very popular.  Unlike the Swatch, the Formula 1 has a removable case back so is not designed to be disposable, but the price was significantly higher than the Swatch too.  The movement in this example has a production date of 4.87, so we believe this watch was made in 1987.  Later watches had different movements too, so this date fits all the evidence.

CONDITION

Techniques d’Avant-Garde (TAG) did two really big things in the mid eighties.  One was they bought Heuer, to create TAG Heuer.  The second is they co developed alongside Porsche the V6 engine fitted in the McLaren Formula 1 cars, driven by Lauda and Prost.  They also became the second largest sponsor behind Marlboro, so those white, red and black cars that went on to great success that the colours on this watch coordinate with.  The TAG Heuer Formula 1 can be seen as the watch that revitalised their business.  These resin cased watches were made between 1986 and 1994 – a steel case joined the line up in 1987 but the resin cased watches are the purer design.  The downside is that the resin cases tend to show marks if they have lead a hard life, especially on the bezel.  But this watch even has the lume pip still in place, which is rare indeed.  The bezel rotates firmly with no slack too.  The crown is the original, just signed Heuer – After TAG bought Heuer there continued to use the parts stock that was just branded Heuer.  The glass has just a few scratches, not enough to warrant changing it for, but that is the worst of any marks.  Apart from a New Old Stock example, this is as good as you would hope to find.  Inside is a Ronda 705 quartz movement with quick set date, which is all working correctly.  We will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner.  The rubber strap is new, and was bought directly from TAG Heuer for this watch.  They are very long and were designed to be cut down to size, but this is naturally full length.

This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.

Please see the HD video for more detail.  All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned.  We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.

​SIZE

Width with crown  37.7 mm

Width without crown  34.8 mm

Between lugs  18 mm

Lug to lug length  39.9 mm

Case Thickness  9.1 mm

All sizes are approximate.

Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses.  If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries.  Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.   Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.

From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon.  By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.

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