Earlier this year, I finally decided to replace a watch I thought was gone forever — my first TAG Heuer Formula 1. While searching for something close to the original navy model, I ended up finding something different but equally charming: the TAG Heuer Formula 1 WA1218.
This one came with a bold white dial paired with a black bezel. The bezel was worn out and the bracelet had seen better days, but for 350 NZD, it was a solid pickup from the same era. It became the watch that pulled me back into collecting.
Ironically, a month later, the original navy TAG resurfaced in my daughter’s jewelry box. Suddenly, I had both models side by side — and a new appreciation for the Formula 1 line.
History of the Formula 1 Line
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection debuted in the 1980s and ran until the late ’90s. These were the first models after TAG and Heuer merged, built with:
- quartz accuracy
- bright, sporty designs
- affordable pricing
- 200m water resistance
The WA1218 came out around 1997, one of the later versions in the series.
Shared Specs With the WA1210
The WA1218 shares the same technical foundation as other Formula 1 variants:
- 35mm stainless steel case
- Approx. 9mm thickness
- 18mm lug width
- Polycarbonate diver-style bezel
- Mineral crystal
- ETA 955.412 quartz movement
- Date at 3 o’clock
- 200m water resistance
- Mercedes-style hour hand
- Screw-down caseback
- Lumed hands and markers
What Makes the WA1218 Stand Out
The biggest difference is the aesthetic. The white dial makes it pop, giving it a cleaner, more versatile look. It’s sporty, but can lean a bit dressy depending on the strap. The black bezel frames the dial nicely — even if mine is already worn and missing its lume pip.
A few interesting discoveries:
- The bezel on this one still clicks properly, unlike my WA1210.
- The bracelet appears to be an aftermarket one — no diver’s extension, no pin holes, and it rattles more.
- The caseback fonts and engravings differ slightly from the original.
- Inside, the movement looks correct, though my older navy model’s battery holder has small differences.
Despite these quirks, the WA1218 is full of character.
Pros of the WA1218 (and this era of Formula 1 watches)
- Classic ’90s TAG Heuer styling
- Reliable quartz movement
- Easy to wear at 35mm
- 200m of water resistance
- Bright lume (when new)
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Mineral crystal scratches easily
- Polycarbonate bezels wear down
- Some examples come with aftermarket bracelets
- Lume often fades on older pieces
Wrap-Up
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 WA1218 wasn’t just a replacement — it’s the watch that restarted my watch collecting journey. With its clean white dial and late ’90s charm, it stands out in its own way.
And now that I have both the white WA1218 and my rediscovered navy WA1210, they form a perfect pair representing nostalgia, rediscovery, and the start of a new hobby chapter.