TAG Heuer has expanded its Formula 1 line with a new set of Solargraph models in lovely pastel colours, a direction that feels slightly unexpected but not entirely out of character for a collection that has always leaned on colour.
The brand’s Formula 1 series dates back to 1986 – originally positioned as an accessible, quartz-powered sports watch line, with a strong visual identity. Bright colours, composite materials, and a design that didn’t try to emulate traditional Swiss watchmaking too closely. That formula worked, and TAG has revisited it several times over the years with varying degrees of success.
This new Pastel Solargraph Collection shifts the tone rather than the concept. The case diameter is now 38 mm, which sits closer to the original proportions than the larger versions seen in the past decade. On the wrist, that size tends to wear compact, especially given the lightweight construction.
The use of TH Polylight is central here. It’s essentially a composite material, similar in intent to the plastic cases used in early Formula 1 models, but with a more refined finish. The advantage is obvious the moment you pick one up. Very light, almost to the point where it feels insubstantial if you’re used to steel sports watches.
Powering the watch is the Solargraph movement, introduced into the Formula 1 range in 2025. It’s a quartz calibre with a photovoltaic cell under the dial, so it charges via light. TAG claims a couple of minutes of direct sunlight will keep it running for a day, while a full charge extends autonomy for several months.
Practically speaking, it removes the need for routine battery changes, which makes sense for a watch positioned as low-maintenance daily wear. Solar quartz isn’t new, but it’s still relatively uncommon in Swiss watches at this level.
The pastel dials are the main visual hook. Three versions in Polylight cases: beige, pink, and blue.
The beige opalin dial is the most restrained of the three. Slightly warm tone, low contrast, and probably the easiest to integrate into a daily rotation. It doesn’t draw much attention, which will appeal to some buyers.
The pink version is more assertive. Still within the pastel spectrum, so it avoids looking overly saturated, but it’s clearly intended as a statement piece. Whether that works long term depends on how comfortable you are with colour on the wrist.
The blue sits somewhere in the middle. Cooler in tone, relatively neutral compared to the pink, and likely to be the most versatile option for casual wear. It has enough colour to stand out without becoming the defining element of an outfit.
All three retain the standard Formula 1 design cues. Bidirectional bezel, bold hands, straightforward dial layout. Legibility remains good, which has always been one of the strengths of the collection.
Alongside these, TAG Heuer has introduced two steel models with a slightly more upscale execution.
The pastel green and lavender-blue versions come in sandblasted steel cases with matching bracelets. The shift in material changes the feel entirely. More weight, more presence, and a closer alignment with conventional sports watches.
Both feature diamond-set hour markers, which adds a decorative element without significantly altering the overall design.
The green dial is probably the most contemporary of the five, this particular shade leaning lighter and more casual than the darker tones seen elsewhere.
The lavender-blue version is more unusual. There’s a slight contrast introduced through soft pink accents, which gives it a different character compared to the rest of the lineup. Less straightforward, but arguably more distinctive.
Across the collection, the positioning is fairly clear. Quartz, solar-powered, relatively affordable within the TAG Heuer catalogue, and designed for ease of use rather than mechanical interest.
The choice of pastel colours suggests TAG is targeting a different segment than the typical Formula 1 buyer from a decade ago. Whether that resonates will depend largely on how the market responds to colour in this category, which tends to be conservative despite occasional trends.
The underlying concept, however, remains consistent with the original idea behind the Formula 1 line. Lightweight, practical, visually distinct, and not overly concerned with traditional expectations.
