Vintage TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watch Review (375.513 / WA1214)

I first started seriously paying attention to watches in 2010. At the time, the large watch trend was at peak popularity, but I had a friend who always wore a 35mm TAG Heuer Formula 1 from the early 1990s. It seemed especially tiny then, as the contemporary Formula 1 was 44mm wide.

Earlier this month, TAG re-released a collection of watches inspired by that series, which reminded me of the one that my friend had. I haven't seen him wear anything other than a Rolex GMT Master in years, but sure enough, he still has it. I convinced him to dig it out and let me borrow it to review. I wanted to see how it looks after seeing the 2025 reissue.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 First Impressions

The 35mm case size is still smaller than the watches I typically buy, but now it's at a point where I enjoy wearing it. It now has a fun, vintage charm. Despite being racing-inspired, it doesn't feel like it is trying as hard as many modern watches.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Details

Rather than the typical tachymeter scale, TAG Heuer Formula 1 watches from the late 1980s and early 1990s featured plastic unidirectional bezels. Many also had colored plastic cases, but this one has a stainless steel case. From what I could find, this one was sold between 1991 and 1993, when the reference number could have been 375.513 or WA1214.

The case is fully brushed and rounded, as was common for the period. Like other F1s, it has hooded lugs and small crown guards.

Despite being racing watches, the Formula 1 has almost always featured a rotating dive-style bezel. This model features a black plastic bezel with red-painted numerals from 0 to 15, followed by white numerals, and a lume pip. It also has 200m of water resistance. At this point, many of these watches have had most of the paint scratched off, as the plastic did not hold up well. As my friend wore it daily for years, this one is no exception.

I also took a few photos of it next to my Heuer Autavia 1163V to illustrate how the brand evolved between the early 1970s and the early 1990s.

Wearing the TAG Heuer Formula 1

The vintage F1 wears as expected. It's small and thin, but lightweight and comfortable.

The bezel is easy to turn yet precise, with distinct clicks. Surprisingly, considering its age and plastic construction.

The legibility is quite good. Notable styling elements are the Mercedes hour hand and the TAG Heuer logo-shaped hour markers at 12, 6, and 9. This black dial model also has a bright red chapter ring.

Although it's no longer very bright, the watch also has a generous tritium lume application.

Bracelet and Replacement Straps for the TAG Heuer Formula 1

Vintage F1s were available with rubber straps in a variety of colors. This model would have come with a black strap, but my friend opted for the jubilee-style bracelet instead.

It features a friction-fit clasp with a security flip lock and dive-style extension. The clasp is made of pressed steel and signed with the TAG Heuer logo.

I did a test, and our TQ18 straps also fit on it and look great! This gives it a similar look to the flared-out original strap.

This F1 has 18mm lugs. Here is a list of other straps that would fit and look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of even more strap combos.
-Ridge Rubber
-Deployant Sailcloth
-Smooth Rubber
-TQ18 FKM Rubber
-TQ18 Hybrid Leather

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Movement

While TAG's Solargraph movement powers the Formula 1 reissue, the original used a simple Swiss Quartz movement, likely an ETA 955.412. It has a simple ticking second hand and a date display. This was appropriate, as the retail price was significantly less than the nearly $2,000 price of the current version.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Conclusion

Things like watches and cars tend to go through a coolness decline as they get older. This watch was about 20 years old when I met my friend, which is typically how long a watch takes to reach the peak of uncoolness. After that, they flatten out, and around 30 years later, things often become old enough to be cool again because they are now considered "vintage."

I didn't feel uncool at all wearing this watch, and the cool reversal has fully occurred. TAG Heuer must agree, as it has released nine new versions of this watch, along with another batch through a limited collaboration with the clothing brand Kith. Sometimes it pays to hang on to old watches!

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