As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, TAG Heuer surprises everyone by unveiling an unexpected version of its famous Formula 1. Say goodbye to carbon black and aggressive red accents: the Swiss brand is betting on softness with its new Formula 1 Solargraph 38mm Pastel Collection. Five solar-powered watches in powdery hues, designed to brighten wrists during the sunny season.
An F1 That’s Almost a Luxury Baby-G
Beneath its casual appearance, this limited series embraces a paradox: associating the powerful world of Formula 1 with almost childlike colors. And it works. The 38mm case, perfectly proportioned, comes in two materials. On one side, TH-Polylight – a durable bio-sourced plastic – available in beige-yellow (3,500 pieces), sky blue (3,000 pieces), and candy pink (2,500 pieces). These three models come with matching rubber straps. On the other side, sandblasted steel dresses two more precious versions, limited to 1,500 pieces for sage green and 1,000 for lavender blue with pink accents. The latter feature diamond-set indexes, a rarity on an F1.
A Movement That Runs on Light
Beneath the opaline dial, we find the Caliber TH50-00 Solargraph, already seen last year. Designed by La Joux-Perret (Citizen Group), this solar quartz movement is full of advantages. Its promise: a full day of power after just two minutes of sun exposure, and up to ten months in complete darkness. No more battery changes. You just wear the watch and go outside. A perfect philosophy for summer.
What Collectors Really Think
On forums and in specialist comments sections, opinions are mixed but rarely indifferent.
What wins them over: Many praise the return to 38mm, a size considered ideal for daily wear. The bidirectional bezel, pleasantly notched, and the finish of the opaline dial are pleasantly surprising for an entry-level watch. Several voices compare the lavender blue steel version to a “jeweler’s watch disguised as a sports watch” – rare praise among purists.
What raises eyebrows: The price, obviously. At €1,950 (or dollars) for the polymer models and €2,800 for the steel versions, it borders on luxury. “That’s three times the price of a MoonSwatch, for a quartz movement,” grumbles one commenter on aBlogtoWatch. Another retorts: “Hold it in your hand. The MoonSwatch has a different charm, but here, the feeling of solidity and the steel bracelet are incomparable.”
One remark comes up often: the TH-Polylight editions are too expensive for what they are, while the steel versions, with their diamonds and more refined colors, better justify their price tag.
Verdict: A Success… With Conditions
TAG Heuer isn’t trying to compete with disposable watches. The F1 Solargraph Pastel embraces its positioning: a fashionable and technical object, designed for the city and vacations, more than for the paddock. The lavender blue steel version is undoubtedly the most successful, combining originality, rarity, and careful finishing. The TH-Polylight models, more accessible on paper, suffer in comparison with competitors like the Citizen Eco-Drive or the Timex solar, which are much less expensive.
Ultimately, this watch series may not appeal to those who only focus on technical specifications. However, it will attract solar-powered watch enthusiasts who seek lightweight, unique designs combined with the prestige of a renowned Swiss brand. Those who appreciate the brand but believe its specifications don’t justify the price might opt for a Top AAA replica Tag Heuer watch from x-watches.co, offering the same design for only €150.
*Availability: From May 2026, in limited editions. Retail prices: €1,950 (TH-Polylight) and €2,800 (steel).*
