TAG Heuer Revives Its Formula 1 Watches in Collaboration With KITH

Nearly four decades after its initial release in 1986, TAG Heuer is bringing back its Formula 1 watches, in a collaboration with KITH that blends design heritage with updated modern materials. The collection is made up of 10 watches, all of which are limited editions and feature unique design inspirations.

“The F1 watch is probably the most important watch of my lifetime,” shared Ronnie Fieg, the Founder of KITH in an interview with Hodinkee — two weeks before the reveal of his collaboration with TAG Heuer. He explained that the watch, a 28-millimeter stainless steel F1, holds significant sentimental value for him, as it was a hard-earned gift from his Mom for his 12th birthday.

Notably, the F1 was Fieg’s first watch and one that he says is responsible for kicking off his love of collecting. In addition to a number of rare luxury and fine watches, Fieg also has a substantial collection of late ’80s and early ’90s era F1 watches, collected from Japan in brand new condition. These watches are undoubtedly a big part of the inspiration behind the newly launched collection, with nods to the vibrant colors and the utilization of quartz movements, which were popular during that era.

Taking a closer look at the new collection, it features three stainless steel models, one limited to 1,350 and the other two limited to 350 editions. Additionally, the collection includes seven Arnite/rubber models, two of which are TAG exclusives at an edition of 825 each and the other five, editions of 250 each.

Leading the pack is the TAG Heuer Formula 1 KITH ref: WA121F.BA0023, featuring an eggshell dial, red and black accents and a stainless steel case and bracelet. While the largest edition of the collection, this watch is undoubtedly the star of the show and was inspired by Fieg’s first watch. Collaborative design elements include an engraved “Kith & Kin” script on the case at 12 o’clock, “KITH HEUER” branding and the brand’s motto “Just Us” printed on the face.

Other stainless steel models include one with a green bezel, a nod to the brand’s Paris store and another inspired by a blue TAG Heuer Formula 1 archival colorway, representative of KITH’s Los Angeles store. These are followed by a range of rubber watches, which include a sand-colored model accented with a pink dial representing Miami, an all-black model for New York, a vibrant red model nodding to Tokyo, a yellow and black model for Toronto and another with a TAG Heuer Formula 1 archival colorway, originally designed for driver Ukyo Katayama, representing Hawaii. These are followed by the two TAG Heuer exclusive models, each featuring black PVD Steel cases and dressed in blue and green respectively.

While the same mold from ‘86 and the original case supplier were used to create this new collection, all of the watches feature updated materials like sapphire as opposed to plastic crystals and rubber in place of plastic straps. All of the watches feature the collaborative “KITH HEUER” logo, quartz movements, 35mm diameter cases, water resistance up to 200 meters and Super-LumiNova treatment for increased readability.

Each watch is priced at $1,500 USD, with a special edition collector’s box set, limited to 75 examples, available via a draw for $18,000 USD. The entire collection is set to see an early release today, May 3, in Miami in honor of the F1 Grand Prix and will be available for purchase at KITH and TAG Heuer’s respective retail stores in the city. As for the global release, it’s set to take place on May 6, with watches to be available for purchase through select KITH and TAG retailers, along with KITH’s global site and mobile app via a drawing — which is live at the time of writing. It’s also worth noting that each purchase comes with a custom book, telling the story of the brand’s history and a complete look at the TAG Heuer Formula 1 KITH collection.