The TAG Heuer Formula 1 'Series 1' was launched in 1986. The rest is history.
It was 1986, and an almost rookie Ayrton Senna, who had only arrived in the premier class in 1984, was already playing with the big boys: Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet, who finished just ahead of him in that order in the drivers' classification. Already in 1988, however, Senna snatched the world title from his eternal rival and teammate Prost, driving the unbeatable McLaren who, from 1988 to 1992, dominated and won as many as four championships. Three of them (in 1988, 1989 and 1990), fiercely fought between him and Prost (victorious in 1989) and as many won by Senna himself (1988, 1990 and 1991).
Those were unforgettable seasons, before a fatal accident at the San Marino GP deprived us of the pleasure of watching the greatest champion of all time race. It was 1 May 1994. On the 30th anniversary of his death, it is evident that TAG Heuer wish to remember Ayrton Senna, the brand's historic testimonial, but without falling into rhetoric.
With the bold spirit that sets it apart, the manufacturer has the wonderful idea of bringing back to life a fragment of the time when Senna dominated F1. And it does so by giving the go-ahead for the re-edition of the 1986 Formula 1 first series. An idea that proved to have the strength to bring two generations together: the adults who were there and the kids who would have liked to be there. With a watch that is already sold out.
The new TAG Heuer Formula 1 is identical to the original, even in its 35 mm diameter. But it features fundamental technical upgrades, including a new composite material for the case and sapphire glass in place of the synthetic one. The ace in the hole is that it was developed in collaboration with the streetwear brand KITH, of the brilliant Ronnie Fieg.
Final treat: For the occasion, the logo on the dial was changed from TAG Heuer to KITH Heuer. A detail that avoids the idea of a classic 'nostalgia' operation. Which we like, but only when it is not pandering.
And you, what do you think?
