TAG Heuer Leverages Historic Motorsport Equity With Premium Formula 1 x Gulf Automatic Release

Bringing legendary track style straight to your wrist, TAG Heuer has slapped Gulf’s unmistakable blue and orange racing stripes onto a fresh, automatic mechanical version of its classic Formula 1 timepiece.

TAG Heuer

In 1882, Edouard Heuer secured a patent for his inaugural stopwatch, and in 1911, Heuer introduced the Time of Trip, the first dashboard chronograph. During the 1960s, under Jack Heuer's leadership, the brand became the only non-automotive entity to sponsor a Formula 1 driver and witnessed the inception of iconic racetrack-inspired models such as the Autavia, Carrera, and Monaco. In commemoration of the brand's reinstatement as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1, TAG Heuer executed a comprehensive redesign of its Formula 1 collection. TAG accelerates its racing heritage with the launch of the Formula 1 Automatic Chronograph x Gulf, featuring Gulf Oil's distinctive blue and orange livery.

TAG Heuer

The inaugural 1986 Formula 1, the first timepiece launched following TAG's acquisition of Heuer, featured a vibrant array of quartz-powered timepieces. In 2014, the Formula 1 was ultimately outfitted with the caliber 16 automatic movement, including 42mm stainless steel cases and a tachymeter bezel, exemplified by this Verstappen version. The 2025 Formula 1 chronographs utilize the same calibre, yet numerous features have been modified, beginning with the chassis, which replaced stainless steel with lightweight and durable grade 2 titanium—a prudent decision considering the substantial dimensions of the case, measuring 44mm in diameter and 14.1mm in thickness. The new case features stylish sandblasted and black DLC finishes, adopting a more angular design reminiscent of F1 car noses, while the chronograph pushers have transitioned from round to rectangular for enhanced aerodynamics.

TAG Heuer

The Heuer-Gulf Oil association originated in 1971, when Steve McQueen, featured in the monumental film Le Mans, operated a Gulf-sponsored Porsche 917K while donning a Monaco chronograph. In 2018, TAG Heuer established a global relationship with Gulf Oil International, leading to the creation of multiple Gulf-themed Monaco editions, which are now complemented by the Formula 1 edition. Adorned with Gulf's livery, two broad vertical orange and light blue stripes extend over the right side of the dial. A notable design feature is the way the bold stripes extend beyond the main track, encroaching upon the periphery area. The matte black chronograph counters, including 30-minute and 12-hour totalisers at noon and 6 o’clock, respectively, are accentuated by their vivid orange hands, which correspond to the lacquered central chronograph seconds hand and the 5-minute markings on the flange. The light-blue hand of the running seconds counter at 9 o’clock corresponds with the blue lacquered chapter ring that features 8 attached indices. The hour and minute hands, along with the indices, are coated with white Super-LumiNova, as indicated by their semi-openworked design. The black-framed date window, intersecting the orange stripe, displays a white disk and is bordered by the watch name and the TAG Heuer emblem, both rendered in white.

The chronograph, with a totally sandblasted titanium case and a corresponding titanium bracelet, is equipped with black DLC-coated pushers and crown. It boasts a water resistance of 200 meters, an orange lacquered crown ring, and an orange separator between the bezel and the central case. The marbled appearance of the stationary forged carbon bezel contrasts with the white indicators of the tachymeter scale. The connection is solidified with TAG Heuer’s shield insignia and “Gulf” prominently displayed on the bezel and the medallion of the screw-down caseback.

TAG Heuer

The TAG Heuer caliber 16 automated cam-activated chronograph, based on the Sellita SW510 and utilizing the Valjoux 7750 foundation, powers the timepiece. A dependable and functional movement, it operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a 42-hour power reserve. The Formula 1 x Gulf is a limited edition of 1,000 units. It will be accessible starting 3 July 2026 and is priced at CHF 5,950, EUR 6,300, or USD 6,300. Additional details can be found at tagheuer.com.