In 1985, turbocharge manufacturer, Techniques d’Avant Garde purchased the Heuer watch company and created TAGHeuer.

The Formula 1 was the first watch released, the name derived from the only thing the two brands had in common; an association with motor sport. Inspired by the Swatch success they where quartz, cheap, plastic, bright colours and tough. But, at the time and for decades following, they didn’t impress me.

They became more sophisticated, the Chronograph was introduced  in 1989, better materials were used, the styles were always distinctive, the prices went up and TAGHeuer became evermore desirable.

This Formula 1 chronograph is a beauty. I like its style, its perfectly comfortable size, and its features and functions. The ETA251-262 is possibly my favourite quartz chronograph, beautifully finished (by modern standards) and it has no less than 7 hands, 4 operating from the centre. I have the same movement in my “Buzz Aldrin” Bulova .

There’s something about the brushed finish on the stainless steel that feels good and looks great. It has a sapphire crystal and the whole thing feels tough without being bulky but they still use the hard plastic bezel! Looks great but plastic is plastic is plastic!!

I have a friend who has a Porsche Boxter; this is the watch for him.