TAG Heuer Unveils Limited-Edition Solar-Powered Formula 1 ‘Zandvoort’ Watch
The 38 mm model, available on rubber or steel, marks a significant shift in materials and power source for the relaunched series, with production strictly capped at 2,500 units globally.
TAG Heuer has released a limited-edition solar-powered Formula 1 watch, informally referred to as the “Zandvoort,” to commemorate the final Dutch Grand Prix at the Zandvoort circuit. As part of the brand’s 2025 relaunch of the Formula 1 series, the 38 mm model updates the classic 1980s design with modern sustainable materials, including TH-Polylight bioplastic. The timepiece features a bright orange dial and is offered on either an orange rubber strap or a three-row sand-blasted steel bracelet. Production is strictly limited to 1,500 units for the rubber version and 1,000 for the steel bracelet, which is available exclusively online.
The new steel bracelet represents a departure from the original five-row design, adopting a three-row sand-blasted finish instead. While the case size has increased from the original 28 mm and 35 mm versions to 38 mm, the grey opalin dial mirrors the hue of the 1980s original. The design on the orange rubber strap, which mirrors the TAG logo, has also been retained. However, the V-shaped grooves on the bottom of the original rubber straps, which allowed for easy cutting to fit over wetsuits, have been removed in the new version.
The watch utilises TH-Polylight, a bioplastic material, replacing the original synthetic materials used in the 1980s collection. This eco-friendly castor-based polyamide is moulded over a steel inner core, maintaining the robust construction characteristic of the series. The new model is solar-powered, a feature not present in the original 1980s quartz models, aligning with contemporary demands for sustainable energy solutions in horology.
Eddy Burgener, who designed the TAG F1 in the 1980s, previously noted that bright, popping colours were key to the original collection. The initial brief was to create a fun, colourful, and young watch for American surfers and divers, emulating the bright surfboards and clothing of the era. Although the range later adopted the name “Formula 1” to appeal to racing enthusiasts, the commercial success of the line surpassed 3 million units sold before it was initially shelved.
The watch is scheduled to be available to order next week. The version with an orange rubber strap costs $2,150, while the steel bracelet version costs $2,250. Consumers can sign up to receive notifications when the limited-edition pieces become available for purchase.
