There are Formula 1 Solargraph watches, and then there are Formula 1 Solargraph timepieces that mark the end of something grand. TAG Heuer has introduced two orange limited editions commemorating the final Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort. They are basically TAG Heuer’s farewell letter to the Dutch Grand Prix.
The Zandvoort pair shares a 38 mm sandblasted stainless-steel case, a grey opaline dial, and an orange TH-Polylight bidirectional bezel sporting the collection’s daisy motif. Orange and red accents appear across the minute track, hands, and indexes, while eggshell Super-LumiNova provides green illumination after dark. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, a date window sits at 3 o’clock, and water resistance is rated at 100 m (328 ft).
Buyers can choose between an orange rubber strap, limited to 1,500 pieces, or a sandblasted three-row steel bracelet, limited to 1,000. The bracelet model is available exclusively online, possibly to prevent people from trying both and spending another 15 minutes making a decision.
Both watches use the Solargraph Calibre TH50-00, which converts natural and artificial light into energy. One minute of direct sunlight supplies a day of operation, while a full charge provides up to 10 months of autonomy in darkness. Ten seconds of light can restart a stopped watch, and the accumulator has a claimed lifespan of up to 15 years.
The rubber-strap edition costs US$2,150, while the steel-bracelet model asks US$2,250. Circuit Zandvoort will continue racing after Formula 1 leaves, but the sea of orange will be losing its biggest annual gathering.
Images: TAG Heuer.