Formula 1 Calibre 16 stopping

J
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Evening everyone,

I've had my F1 Cal 16 for about 5 months (bought new) and I'm finding that it stops about 24/36 hours after taking it off. It is worn for days at times but still doesn't last long when taken off.
The chronograph isn't in use and it is wound the recommended 40 winds to start it again.
Is this normal? My £180 Seiko will last nearly a week without being wound.
It's pretty disappointing for such an expensive watch if it's normal.
Thanks
 
Aquagraph
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IIRC power reserve on the Cal16 is about 40 hours or something like that.
 
J
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Aquagraph Aquagraph
IIRC power reserve on the Cal16 is about 40 hours or something like that.
Thanks. That's pretty poor then for nearly £4k. Salesperson suggested more like 72 hours.
 
Aquagraph
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Well it could have been upgraded or a different spec, I'm really not sure.... but I doubt it's that much. Calibre 5 was always 38 hours and the Heuer 02 was a big jump up to 80 hours.
 
J
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Just sales flannel I would guess. I've asked them if it's normal and they've warned me that if I want it checking it will be away for about 12 weeks. Really not impressed.
 
Jemagloh
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Welcome to the forum, @jd. We like pictures here, too, so let's see a picture of that Formula 1 Cal 16!

As @Aquagraph stated above, the H02 produced the big jump in power reserve. I've had some Cal 16s in the past, and it seemed like they would run for about 36+ hours before needing a wind or time on the wrist to keep going. Enjoy the watch!
 
Thehighwayman
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Welcome to the forum.
The Cal 16 is based on the ETA 7750 or the equivalent Sellita SW500,a great movement used by many top manufacturers but essentially it's pretty old tech and dates back to the mid 70's.
The usual max power reserve is about 42 hours. One of the Sellita SW500 grades however does offer 62 hours of reserve but i've no idea if Tag Heuer uses that one. Chrono use will reduce reserve and of course if the movement isn't fully wound when it's taken off the wrist that will limit the reserve too.
I'd say 24 hours is low and indicates a problem if you are certain it's fully wound at that point.

Otherwise a powered watchwinder might be the answer !
 
J
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I'll have to keep an eye on it then. Didn't buy an autistic watch to wind it myself 🙄😉

PXL_20250916_221952625.MP.webp
 
Gene242
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J jd
I'll have to keep an eye on it then. Didn't buy an autistic watch to wind it myself 🙄😉

PXL_20250916_221952625.MP.webp
I am huge fan of all Tag Heuer's anthracite dials...but 42 hours is the power reserve on calibre 16 models when fully wound
 
J
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I meant to type "Automatic".....not autistic 🤦‍♂️
 
thfan
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J jd
I'll have to keep an eye on it then. Didn't buy an autistic watch to wind it myself 🙄😉

PXL_20250916_221952625.MP.webp

I recently purchased this but wear it most of the time so haven't noticed the power reserve. It's definitely supposed to be 42 hours for the Calibre 16. Even the new Formula 1 Chronographs are Calibre 16 with the same power reserve and they cost more.

PXL_20250912_100452472~2.webp
 
J
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Update... it's gone back to Tag having only lasted 11 hours after the last wear. Back to the trusty Seiko for a while.
 
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