Among high-end watches, you often times get companies that tow the line and lean towards either fashion or function. Most play with other functions and different elements, but often times, it’s one sided. This is not true for the TAG Heuer Men’s Formula 1 Grande Date Black Dial Watch, as you get something that fits between serious adventure and fashion-conscious design. It’s a grown-up version of what you may expect from Casio, only this is far higher on the spectrum of design capabilities and precision elements. That being said, this piece deserves a closer look.
Pros
Even though the dial material in the window is not 100% sapphire, the synthetic sapphire is hard to distinguish from pure sapphire. You’ll be hard-pressed to guess whether or not it is synthetic, and that’s a testament to the craftsmanship that went into the display. The analog style of the interior points to technology that is used with a lot of fashion watches, and though it is not necessarily high tech, this is not a detriment. The case material is stainless steel, but offers a bit of unique color tone that contrasts well with the dial interior. The case diameter is at 44 mm, which is bigger than most, and thickness is at 12.5 mm, giving you a strong element on the wrist. You’ll definitely feel this one and see it in plain sight, making it more for the adventurer than the average office worker.
The dial color in black gives it an elegant display, and the screw down crown and shock-resistant casing are definitely a plus. Movement here is handled by Swiss quartz, which raises the price a bit more; the water resistance is at 660 feet (200 meters), and the water pressure resistance gives 200 bar in performance. This is not just something that is going to look good; it can also take a beating, as it is scratch resistant, and could very well help you out in the ocean as well. If you’re adventurous, this watch tows the line between both worlds of fashion and function in a very unique manner.
Cons
The cons are related to just how functional it is. The unidirectional bezel is definitely a sign that you may not want to wear this to a formal event. It’s very close to a more sporty watch than high fashion, which isn’t detrimental, but for the price tag, it may not fit into the budget and needs of many people. The analog display is also a bit difficult to manage (if you’re more into digital displays that is), but the contrasting stainless steel and black framework do a good job of making this piece compelling.
Final Verdict
The TAG Heuer Men’s Formula 1 Grande Date Black Dial Watch is by far one of the best watches to look into if you’re going to go for cross training. It can very well transition from creative workspaces to more adventurous activities like hiking, swimming and sports with no problem. Click here to find out more.