Speaking of the bezel, each of the three watches feature a fixed bezel- this one doesn’t rotate, despite looking like it might. The second model is CAU2010 is the same as the watch above, but without the Red- stainless steel hands, Black highlights on the crown and pushers and “ Tachymetre” in white letters, matching the tachy scale on the bezel. It’s an attractive colour combination- the watch still looks like a Formula 1, but a more up-scale, mature version of the F1 that everyone knows. This model is only available with the steel & ceramic bracelet that features ceramic brick inserts, bordered by polished steel borders that contrast with the brushed steel outer-links. The CAU2011 is my favourite of the new trio and features Red highlights- not only on the crown and pushers (as noted above), but also the “ Tachymetre” script on the bezel, a Red-tipped central chronograph hand and Red sub-dial hands at 12 and 6 o’clock.
The caseback design shares the same look as that used on the quartz models, meaning there is no sapphire caseback, consistent with TAG Heuer’s recent strategy of using steel case backs for Calibre 16 watches (Link, Carrera and Aquaracer). Overall the design feels very cohesive, extending to the neat integration of the crown guard and the chronograph pushers and the TAG Heuer logo on the bottom of the central chronograph hand. The stainless steel pair each have a “starburst” Anthracite dial, while the steel titanium carbide model’s dial is solid Black. The dials have a nice, clean finish- no vertical/ horizontal streaks or metal chronograph sub-dial rings. The model name and TAG Heuer logo are printed on the dial itself, rather than applied as is the case with many Carrera, Link and Aquaracer models. The third model- CAU2010- sticks with Black highlights in keeping with its monochrome feel. One of the design flourishes used is the coloured highlights on the two chronograph pushers and crown- Orange on CAU2012… To put that in perspective, the Calibre 16 Aquaracer is 16.1mm thick. In addition to the larger diameter, the depth of the case also increases to accommodate the thicker mechanical movement- from 11.9mm on the quartz models to 15.2mm. The increase in case size is sure to please those who find the current men’s range too small at 42mm. The Calibre 16 F1 retains the same case shape and design as the original watch from 1986, but in a 44mm stainless steel case- a far cry from the 34mm Fibreglass case of the original. So here for the first time are the three mechanical chronographs that make up the range- two stainless steel & ceramic models (above) and the bright Orange model that features a titanium carbide coating on a stainless steel case. The new chronograph is the first men’s Formula 1 in 27 years not to be powered by a quartz movement, and represents a change in the positioning of the Formula 1 series: where the F1 used to be the entry-level TAG Heuer, the new Calibre 16 models are perhaps a sign that the Formula 1 range going forward will sit alongside the other models, rather than below them. The reaction to our story back in June on the new Calibre 16 Formula 1 was very strong, with the article being the most popular read on Calibre 11 for the last couple of months.
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