Sometimes you need to reinvent the wheel; other times you need to be satisfied that the damn wheel works as it is. In this case, when it comes to TAG Heuer, they are going back to the original Formula 1 Series 1 model. Launched in 1986, the Formula 1 Series 1 model was part of the first collection by the newly merged French company, Techniques d’Avant-Garde (TAG) and Swiss brand, Heuer.

It was a striking piece, one that reminds us of a Swatch Scuba. But TAG Heuer is, after all, a premium brand and thus, the Formula 1 Series 1 model needed to represent that (stainless steel inner case coated with fibreglass; lumed markers and hands) even with the pop-ish aesthetic. The Formula 1 would have several series before it was discontinued in 2000 due to it not being on-brand with the LVMH group... sike! The Formula 1 series would return with an entirely new design and upgraded materials to reflect its luxury standing.

Fast-forward to now, in a collaboration with Kith's Ronnie Feig, the watch brand and American designer, would draw from the well of nostalgia and bring back the Formula 1 Series 1 model. Boasting 10 vibrant colourways that were inspired by the original's design, each a nod to TAG Heuer's rich history.

At the heart of this collaboration is a celebration of firsts. For many, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series 1 was their first love in the world of watches. Like so many, Feig started with a red-and-black first-generation Formula 1 model and has since grown his watch collection. “This was also his first watch when he was younger,” says Julien Tornare, the CEO of TAG Heuer. “It is one of the most meaningful pieces in TAG Heuer’s history. The first to wear the TAG Heuer name, [the Formula 1] introduced a generation of collectors to our commitment to making premium timepieces at the intersection of culture and motorsports.”

The revived Formula 1 model will have an insignia (both TAG Heuer and Kith) on the dial, rubber strap, and caseback. Kith's motto, "Just Us" is etched six o'clock on the dial; a Mercedes hour hand sweeps the face; an upgraded sapphire crystal; a stainless steel bracelet or rubber (not plastic) straps and it's powered by a quartz movement.

Each TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Kith variant is limited to 825 pieces and are available 3 May in TAG Heuer Miami stores and 6 May in selected stores worldwide.