TAG Heuer & Kith Revive A Classic Ahead Of Miami’s Grand Prix
With Miami’s third-ever Grand Prix on the horizon this weekend, we knew TAG Heuer would be going big for the occasion as they have done in the past; yet, what we didn’t expect was this specific collaboration.
Since its debut in 1986, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series 1 has been a significant piece in the watchmaking world. Not only was it the inaugural timepiece to showcase the TAG Heuer name, but it also captivated a generation with its daring design and vibrant colors. Fast forward to today, and TAG Heuer, in collaboration with Kith, is reviving this beloved model with a contemporary twist, blending tradition with modern materials and styles. Together, they’re reintroducing the 1986 Formula 1 Series 1, now in an array of ten striking colorways. These new designs draw inspiration from TAG Heuer’s rich archives, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Formula 1 series.
“The rebirth of the original TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch is something the collector community has been clamoring after for years. One of these collectors was Kith founder Ronnie Fieg, who shared that, like so many others, this was also his first watch when he was younger,” explains Julien Tornare, the newly-appointed CEO of TAG Heuer. “It is one of the most meaningful pieces in TAG Heuer’s history. The first to wear the TAG Heuer name, it introduced a generation of collectors to our commitment to making premium timepieces at the intersection of culture and motorsports.”
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection introduces ten new watches, available either with stainless steel or rubber bracelets. Seven of these are Kith exclusives, each dedicated to a different location in Kith’s global network, featuring lively hues such as sports-car red, black-and-yellow, and a tri-color mix of green, yellow, and red that harks back to a rare 1980s edition created with Japanese F1 driver Ukyo Katayama. Other shades include cream and matte black, with each of these exclusive designs limited to 250 pieces. Additionally, Kith offers two steel bracelet models with blue bezels and one with green, each limited to 350 pieces.
TAG Heuer also contributes two unique editions to this series, each limited to 825 pieces. These feature striking bezels in vibrant blue and green, set against black PVD cases and black dials. The inaugural release will be exclusively available in Miami on May 3rd, followed by a global launch on May 6th.
A standout in the collection is the collaborative design shared by TAG Heuer and Kith, capped at 1350 pieces. This model pairs a classic black bezel with red accents, a timeless design mounted on a steel bracelet with an eggshell dial, echoing the patinated charm of the original 1986 version. This fusion of contemporary features and retro flair makes it a remarkable addition to any collection.
Staying true to the original, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith retains key design elements from the first series, such as the original-style hour hand shaped like a triangle with a dot at 12 o’clock, alternating quarter indices of shields and dots, and a contrasting minuterie that infuses the dial with vibrant personality.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith will make its debut with a first edition release in Miami, followed by a worldwide launch. “It was an honor for me to be able to play a part in bringing TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 Series 1 back to life. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series 1 in red and black was my very first watch, the timepiece that helped me express the unique style that’s now manifested itself in Kith,” noted Ronnie Fieg, Kith founder.
As TAG Heuer continues to bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary design, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith stands out as a testament to successful collaborations that respect heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation.