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2025 TAG Heuer Formula 1 "re-issue" Solargraph (WBY11XX series)
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Aquagraph
·Really? I guess it's because it's a Kith... I mean plenty of people bought that strap for the Monaco 1990s didn't they.
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Mspeedster
·Really? I guess it's because it's a Kith... I mean plenty of people bought that strap for the Monaco 1990s didn't they.
I first ran into this serial number requirement many years ago when I wanted to order the black and orange stitch strap from the Monaco Gulf First Victory CAW211T, which was limited to 50 pieces.
Yet, as you said, the straps for the Monaco 50th Anniversary LE watches could be ordered freely, without the serial number requirement. Go figure? 🤷♂️
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Aquagraph
·Swiss 'logic'. I mean, I guess it kinda makes sense if they've only made a certain number of spare straps and they want to keep them for people that bought the watches.... maybe. 🤔
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Hubert
··TAG Heuer Forums ModeratorProbably because it's a KITH. However, the blue strap KITH F1 model was sold via TAG Heuer Boutiques, not KITH Boutiques.
I first ran into this serial number requirement many years ago when I wanted to order the black and orange stitch strap from the Monaco Gulf First Victory CAW211T, which was limited to 50 pieces.
Yet, as you said, the straps for the Monaco 50th Anniversary LE watches could be ordered freely, without the serial number requirement. Go figure? 🤷♂️
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Mspeedster
·Now a days, TAG Heuer seems to be requiring the serial number of the LE watch, to order spare straps. I've had to do this for the past year and so. And I couldn't order the rubber Barcelona F1 strap, since I didn't have that specific watch.
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Albert-AMG
··TAG Heuer Forums ModeratorComparison of the current Solargraph size (38 mm) with the two sizes of the Formula 1 OG (34 and 28 mm)
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dtf
·Comparison of the current Solargraph size (38 mm) with the two sizes of the Formula 1 OG (34 and 28 mm)
That 28mm must be tiny on the wrist! The current one isn’t a big watch
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Aquagraph
·It's fine on my wife's wrist. She has a red dial S/EL that's 20mm too. Looks great.
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Albert-AMG
··TAG Heuer Forums ModeratorThat 28mm must be tiny on the wrist! The current one isn’t a big watch
It's a watch that my mother has had for nearly 40 years, and she is very fond of it 😊
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Aquagraph
·
Maybe the Sel is 25mm
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Mspeedster
·Comparison of the current Solargraph size (38 mm) with the two sizes of the Formula 1 OG (34 and 28 mm)
@Albert-AMG - How do you feel about your Solargraph compared to your original F1?
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Albert-AMG
··TAG Heuer Forums ModeratorThose black and yellows both look immaculate! 👍
@Albert-AMG - How do you feel about your Solargraph compared to your original F1?
Overall, the Solargraph is perceived as a better watch in every way, but the original F1 also has a special charm, surely given by the fact that it's nearly 40 years old.
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Mspeedster
·If I compare the two "large" Formula 1 models, both are lovely 🥰, but I like the Solargraph's size and greater feeling of quality and solidity better. The fact that it has a black DLC-coated stainless steel case instead of a fiberglass case like the first model gives it a better feel and a higher weight.
I also like the Solargraph's raised markers, and the rubber strap better, much softer, more comfortable, and more flexible than the yellow one… although I like the vanilla scent of the vintage strap 😉. I also prefer the coloured logo of the Miami GP…
Overall, the Solargraph is perceived as a better watch in every way, but the original F1 also has a special charm, surely given by the fact that it's nearly 40 years old.
I basically agree with how you feel. Overall, I love the F1 Solargraph, I think TAG's designers did a great job of balancing the look of the old while freshening up the look for today. Plus, it's so comfortable to wear. I think it's mainly because of its rubber strap.
However, I found that the black strap on my newest addition, blue F1 381.513, is almost as soft and comfortable. I found this quite surprising, because the rest of my vintage straps feel stiffer and less comfortable in comparison. I believe when the original was first released, it had a thicker strap, closer to the thickness of the Solargraph. But later it seems a thinner strap was introduced, which to me feels less comfortable.
Here's a comparison. Bottom (L): replacement original strap (1.7mm thick). Middle: Original thicker strap from my first year ('86-'87) yellow/gray (2.4mm thick). Top (R): New Solargraph strap (2.7mm thick).
I'm not sure if my original gray, which yellowed with age, also got stiffer with age. But the black strap on my blue/black feels softer than either of my gray straps, or any of my other vintage F1 straps. (My black strap is also the thicker 2.4mm version, so I assume it's original to the watch.)
The one part of the Solargraph that I still have mixed feelings about is the case shape where it meets the strap. While the downward contour creates better wearability, I think the charm of the original case shape is lost. I also think the proportions of the original dial/bezel were lost in the translation to the 38mm size. The Solargraph's dial seems proportionately bigger, which is why I think it wears larger than a 38mm to me.
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dtf
·The one part of the Solargraph that I still have mixed feelings about is the case shape where it meets the strap.
This almost put me off buying the solargraph, but seeing Albert’s Miami made me chance it and it doesn’t bother me at all on the wrist. The sizing of the hour hand though…
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Thehighwayman
·This almost put me off buying the solargraph, but seeing Albert’s Miami made me chance it and it doesn’t bother me at all on the wrist. The sizing of the hour hand though…
Is it actually smaller than the OG?
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Mspeedster
·I hadn't noticed that before but now I can't unsee it!
Is it actually smaller than the OG?
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Thehighwayman
·Yes. The OG’s Mercedes circle part is larger but the hand part is thinner and proportionately shorter than the Solargraph.
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Mspeedster
·Thanks, I wasn't sure if it was just the effect of the white hands on Alberts original making the Mercedes section look larger.
While I prefer the 38mm size, I think I prefer the original's overall proportional look. I really love both for different reasons, perhaps I'm just over analyzing. LOL
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HoltzPlatz
·Thanks for the comparison report and pic, excellent. 👍