I found this replica TAG Heuer Formula 1 Grande Date Automatic Chronograph 44mm a few days ago. The watch launched at Baselworld 2013, features generous proportions and a self-winding movement.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Grande Date Automatic Chronograph 44mm is available in four variants, three with an anthracite dial and one with an avant-garde combination of orange detail set against a black canvas. This replica watch is the grey dial model with a steel and ceramic bracelet (CAU2010.BA0873).
A sunray motif features on the dial, dancing with light, granting areas of dark and shade which bestow a warm feeling and a sense of quality.The hour and minute hands have polished edges and feature luminous material at their core. A central chronograph is presented in a silver hue with a counterweight resembling the TAG Heuer shield located at the opposite end to the narrow tip.In some cases, chronographs can feature subdials which are too close to each other or, conversely, spaced too far apart. This is often because the dial design is dictated by the layout of the movement beneath. However, in this instance, the subdials are perfectly placed, delivering a harmonious aesthetic.
The two chronograph counters are located on a north-south plane, whereas the subsidiary seconds display resides opposite the date aperture positioned at 3 o’clock. The dial has balance, partly owing to the white text and logo enveloping the date aperture occupying a similar sized area to the neighbouring subdials.The applied batons, featuring luminous markings suit the dial, providing a clean and lucid display.A tachymeter scale features on the ceramic and highly polished steel bezel, reinforcing the motorsport-infused character of the timepiece.
This replica TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch has bold, masculine lines evidenced by its substantial dimensions. Measuring 44mm in diameter, this is a sizeable watch and may prove too large for some. However, I personally found it looked perfectly at home on my wrist and it did not feel unduly cumbersome.
A solid caseback features a chequered flag pattern and TAG Heuer logo. Whilst I understand the racing symbolism and its relevance to a timepiece named “Formula 1”, I wish the timepiece had an exhibition caseback. This is because, like many self-confessed “Petrol-heads”, I like to see the engine at work within a mechanical watch.
The bracelet is very attractive. It features a combination of brushed stainless steel links, matching the finish of the case, but with brushed black ceramic links occupying the central row. The black ceramic material provides a comely contrast and heightens the visual interest of the bracelet. Framing the ceramic inserts are highly polished steel borders, matching the finish of the push pieces and bezel. All elements of the bracelet coalesce superbly and help to further reinforce the cohesive excellence of the whole design.
