TAG Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Blue Dial Ref. WAZ1118.BA0875
Sport Watch / Tool Watch · TAG Heuer (LVMH Group); a luxury brand with deep roots in motorsports and professional timing.
Period: Modern Luxury (2010s-Present); characterized by oversized Arabic numerals, bold color contrasts, and a 'racing' inspired aesthetic that recalls the original 1986 Formula 1 series but with modern upscale materials.
Type
Sport Watch / Tool Watch
Brand
TAG Heuer (LVMH Group); a luxury brand with deep roots in motorsports and professional timing.
Movement
Swiss Quartz Movement; likely Ronda 6003.D or ETA 955.112 caliber based on the 3 o'clock date position; high precision with EOL (end-of-life) indicator.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 41mm; Thickness: 11.6mm; Lug-to-lug: 45mm; Lug width: 19mm or 20mm. It wears true to size with a relatively flat profile.
Description
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 is the quintessential entry point into the world of Swiss luxury sports watches. Drawing inspiration from the high-octane world of motor racing, this WAZ1118 model features a vibrant sunburst blue dial accented by a racing-orange seconds hand. The 41mm case provides excellent wrist presence without being overbearing, and the combination of a brushed steel finish with a blue aluminum bezel creates a classic, sporty look suitable for both casual wear and rugged activity.
Key Features
Oversized '12' and '6' numerals, sunray blue dial finish, orange-tipped or full orange seconds hand, and the heavy-duty notched bezel for operation with gloves.
Dial Description
Sunray brushed blue dial; applied rhodium-plated indices with Super-LumiNova; large Arabic 12 and 6 numerals; orange central seconds hand for high visibility; date window at 3 o'clock; printed minute track on the flange.
Case Material
Fine-brushed and polished 316L stainless steel; features a tonneau-shaped case design with a circular dial opening.
Crystal Type
Flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal; typically lacks internal AR coating on this entry-level model.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional rotating bezel with 60-minute scale; blue aluminum insert with silver-toned numerals and a luminous dot at 12 o'clock; 'Easy Grip' notched edges.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down crown in polished stainless steel with embossed TAG Heuer shield; protected by integrated case-side crown guards; no pushers (non-chronograph model).
Bracelet or Strap
Three-row 'Oyster' style stainless steel bracelet (Ref. BA0875); fine-brushed finish; double safety folding clasp with diving extension.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback; features characteristic checkered flag engraving and circular brushing; lists reference and serial numbers.
Movement Type
Swiss Quartz Movement; likely Ronda 6003.D or ETA 955.112 caliber based on the 3 o'clock date position; high precision with EOL (end-of-life) indicator.
Water Resistance
200 meters (20 ATM / 660 feet); suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. The screw-down crown is essential for maintaining this rating.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; assembled in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland; quartz movement is sourced from specialized Swiss manufacturers like Ronda or ETA.
Age Estimate
Circa 2016-Present; this specific aesthetic (ref. WAZ1118) was a mainstay of the mid-to-late 2010s Formula 1 lineup.
Cultural Significance
A foundational 'gateway' watch for collectors; it represents the democratization of Swiss luxury and the long-standing partnership between horology and the automotive industry (notably with teams like Red Bull Racing).
Condition Notes
The pictured example shows moderate wear (Good to Very Good condition); visible surface scratches on the aluminum bezel insert near the 55-05 markings and light scuffing on the lugs/bracelet consistent with regular daily use.
Value Estimate
MSRP: Approximately $1,450 - $1,600 USD; Secondary Market: $800 - $1,100 USD depending on the inclusion of the original box and warranty card.
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement every 2-3 years; water resistance gaskets should be pressure tested every 2 years; clean the bracelet with lukewarm water and a soft brush; ensure crown is fully screwed down before water contact.
Similar Watches
Longines HydroConquest Quartz (more dive-focused), Tissot Seastar 1000 (more affordable), Tudor Royal (more integrated design), Seiko Prospex 'Save the Ocean' (mechanical alternative).
Interesting Facts
The Formula 1 collection was the first line released after Heuer was acquired by Techniques d'Avant Garde (TAG) in 1985. It saved the brand during the quartz era and remains a favorite among Formula 1 drivers and team staff.