The new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Lady Steel & Ceramic Pavee (ref. WAH1219.BA0859) features an attractive combination of high-grade steel, mirror-polished black ceramic and around 140 clear Top Wesselton diamonds totaling almost 0.65 carats.
I am going to start this small “initial impressions” review by defining the major drawback of this watch: it looks like a Chanel timekeeper.
Not that they are bad, m’kay. It’s just that one could rightfully expect TAG Heuer to be more original while designing its (quite) expensive timepieces.
One could argue about subtle differences in styling and all, but I must tell you that when I first glanced at an image of this watch, my first thought was, like, “ah, yet another iteration of Chanel J12 ceramic, okay.”
It took me a second glance to catch that familiar TAG Heuer logo which is placed at 12 o’clock on its matte black dial.
If you compare the two models, you will notice that both feature the same proportions as their bezels and dials. They are adorned with almost identical diamonds that serve as hour markers, as well as feature the signature subtle crown guards (these were possibly influenced by Rolex watches in both cases.)
The only major difference between the two is that the Formula 1 Lady Steel & Ceramic Pavee is issued in a much smaller case.
Crafted from 316L stainless steel, it measures only 37 millimeters in diameter, which makes it more suitable for a fragile womanly wrist. Also, the five-row bracelet, which is, too, made from steel with black ceramic inserts, looks more feminine than the unisex job chosen for the Chanel J12.
The bezel of the WAH1219.BA0859 is basically a steel ring with 12 black ceramic inserts and 84 Top Wesselton diamonds (0.47 carat.)
The center of its dial is paved with 54 more diamonds of the same class providing the watch with that understated elegance that you will rarely see in this segment.
According to official specifications, the new watch is powered by a well-known ETA F05.111 quartz movement.
Coming with the standard three hands and a simple calendar, the movement is built on three jewels, which makes it more durable than the throw-away Chinese plastic “movements,” but, having a base price of around 20-25 euros, it is still too cheap for such a beast. TAG Heuer should be ashamed of itself.
However, if you don’t care about calibers, reference numbers, and technical specs, you can consider getting this watch: the movement is widespread and is interchangeable with some other quartz jobs from ETA and other Swiss watchmakers. Even if it finally gets broken, there will be no problem replacing it with another caliber.
See also: Raymond Weil Jasmine in Rose Gold PVD (2935 PCS 00659)
Photos: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Lady Steel & Ceramic Pavee WAH1219.BA0859 specification
Recommended Price: €4800
Movement: Quartz, caliber ETA F05.111, Swiss Made
- Jewels: 3
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case and Crown: Stainless steel
Bezel: Steel with black ceramic inserts and 84 diamonds
Shape: Round
Size: 37.00 mm
Water resistance: 200 meters
Dial: Black, 64 diamonds
Hour markers: Diamonds
Hands: Luminous
Strap: Five rows in steel and black ceramic with butterfly clasp and safety pushers
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective on both sides
Back: Solid, engraved