Tag Heuer Formula One - The Ford Focus of the luxury but affordable watch club

Review

23 May

If you’ve ever fancied a watch that combines motorsport grit with Swiss finesse — and doesn’t leave your wallet in a spin — the TAG Heuer Formula 1 WAH1111 might just be your pole position pick.

Released in 2014, this 40mm timepiece from the TAG Heuer Formula 1 range proves that you don’t need a millionaire’s budget to get your hands on some proper horological heritage. It’s got pedigree, style, and enough sporty edge to feel right at home both trackside and at the office. With second hand prices starting around £400, it really is a fantastic way to start on your horological journey. The watch photographed is in fact my very own that my dad bought me for my 25th birthday.

Let’s pop the bonnet and see what makes it tick.

The Specs

Model: TAG Heuer Formula 1 WAH1111.BA0858

Case Diameter: 40mm

Case Material: Brushed stainless steel

Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel with black aluminium insert and bold numerals

Crystal: Sapphire (scratch-resistant – ideal for everyday wear)

Dial: Crisp white with applied hour markers and date at 3 o’clock

Hands: Lumed for low-light legibility

Movement: Swiss-made quartz

Water Resistance: 200 metres (yes, you can take it for a swim)

Bracelet: Brushed stainless steel with a folding clasp and safety push-buttons

It’s not oversized or overly fussy – just clean, sporty, and purposeful. This is the kind of watch that looks just as good peeking out from a racing suit as it does paired with a shirt and blazer on a night out.

The Engine Room: Swiss-Made Quartz Movement

Now, let’s talk movement. The WAH1111 is powered by a Swiss-made ETA quartz calibre, known for accuracy, durability and practically zero fuss. While mechanical movements get a lot of romanticism in the watch world, there’s a lot to love about quartz — especially when it comes from Switzerland.

You're looking at reliability that runs for years, to-the-second precision, and no need to wind it or baby it. For first-time collectors or those wanting a daily driver that won’t flake out, quartz is king. TAG Heuer didn't skimp here — they packed this Formula 1 with top-tier Swiss battery-powered performance.

Design Details: Sporty but Sophisticated

Visually, the WAH1111 ticks all the boxes (and then some). The stark white dial gives it a clean, high-contrast look that pops against the steel bracelet and black bezel. It’s modern without being shouty. The unidirectional bezel adds a touch of diver DNA, even though it’s inspired by F1 timing equipment more than deep-sea exploration.

At 40mm, it's a wearable size for just about anyone – big enough to have presence but not so large that it looks like you're trying too hard. And that bracelet? Sleek, solid, and feels like it belongs on a much pricier piece.

A Lap Ahead for First-Time Collectors

The Formula 1 series has always been TAG Heuer’s gateway drug into Swiss watches. But don’t mistake "entry-level" for boring — this range has decades of racing heritage and brand prestige behind it. The WAH1111, in particular, is a cracking option for those just starting their collection.

It blends everyday practicality with motorsport flair, all wrapped up in a genuine Swiss-made package. You get serious water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and precision quartz movement — all the traits you want in a watch that’s going to do the business without blowing the budget.

Final Lap: Why the WAH1111 Still Holds Up

In a world full of smartwatch distractions and fashion-watch fluff, the 2014 TAG Heuer Formula 1 WAH1111 stands out as a proper timepiece for people who want more than just a ticking wrist ornament. It’s a watch with story, performance, and presence — and crucially, it’s accessible.

Tags recent release of the F1 Solargraph (photos below) collection proves that the aestetic from over 10 years ago still holds up in 2025.

Whether you’re buying your first Swiss watch or adding a versatile piece to your rotation, this TAG is hard to argue with.