Meet the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph Indy 500 2023 Watch
Friday - 19 May 2023
Golden brown and black tones represent the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph Indy 500 watch for 2023. Equipped with a fixed tachymeter bezel and an expertly developed chronograph, the watch nods to the famous race with its brick dial pattern that evokes the legendary Indy 500 brickyard.
The podium of the iconic Indy 500 race has been occupied by some of the world’s biggest racing stars for decades and remains one-third of the Triple Crown in global racing, alongside the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With that in mind, it was a natural evolution for TAG Heuer to further strengthen its ties with the motorsport industry by becoming Official Timekeeper and Scorer for the event in 2004. Since this year, the Swiss watchmaker has released a total of 18 special edition watches in celebration of its partnership with the Indy 500 race, many of which often feature the famous IMS “Wings and Wheel” logo or the “Indy 500” lettering.
The evolution of TAG Heuer’s Indy 500 watches
The Indy 500 Special Edition watches from TAG Heuer have evolved over the years. Whilst the, 2004 and 2005 models had a black and chrome-plated bezel respectively the 2008 model showcased a more complex layout with a three-register layout and a grand date feature at 12 o’clock. Between 2011 and 2015, TAG Heuer Indy 500 watches featured a “brickyard” motif on their dials that paid homage to the Indianapolis track that was paved with bricks at one time. TAG Heuer then departed from the grand date version and released some anthracite versions with a large white 12 o’clock marker and sub-counters for the dials. A limited edition watch released in 2015 featured a chequered flag pattern and was exclusive to 3000 pieces.
In 2016, TAG Heuer released an Indy 500 watch in the style of the classic Carrera – a vast difference compared to the Formula 1 model it had borrowed from in the past. Powered by the Heuer 01, it marked the 100th running of the Indy 500 race and boasted a skeletonised dial and a sapphire-backed case. The “Drive Timer” design launched in 2017 was a bold 45mm case, followed by the 2018 model that featured a striking blue bezel. Different again was the 2020 Indy 500 watch, this time clad in a sleek black PVD-coated case and a limited edition run of just 1500 pieces worldwide. A strip of bricks on its dial nodded to the start line at IMS, whilst last year’s model marked a whole 18 years for TAG Heuer as Official Timekeeper for the event. The Indy 500 lettering was beautifully etched onto the surface of the model’s ceramic bezel whilst the three-link steel bracelet was ideal for fitting over the top of a racing suit.
The new TAG Heuer Indy 500 Special Edition 2023 watch
This year, TAG Heuer launches the new Indy 500 Special Edition 2023 watch, specially designed to outpace any opposition with its crisp chronograph counters and an unmissable brickwork rendition upon its display, reminiscent of the legendary Indy 500 brickyard. The gold and black tones of this latest TAG Heuer Indy 500 watch are new to the series, whilst the remaining features of the watch will recall the popular architecture of the Formula 1 watch.
The mythical Indy circuit is represented upon the display of this watch with a black asphalt background and the aforementioned “Brickyard” surface pattern taking up residence down the left side of the dial between the hours of 7 and 11. The Arabic numeral hour markers are treated with a generous helping of Super-LumiNova, as are the central hour and minute hands that are powered by a reliable Swiss-made quartz movement. The central chronograph second hand is also executed in a golden brown colour that matches the tones of the brick pattern. A handy date window is located against a white background at 4:30, framed by a fixed tachymeter bezel in black and white. The Indy 500 lettering is represented in a golden brown hue to match the track around the 6 o’clock sub-counter offering a one-tenth of a second function. This sub-counter is accompanied by a 30-minute totaliser at 9 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 3 o’clock.
The new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph Indy 500 watch is also 200-meter water resistant thanks to a screwed-in caseback and a screw-down crown adorned with the iconic TAG Heuer logo. The watch is sealed with a strong piece of sapphire crystal glass on its front, whilst the reverse side of the watch features a special Indy 500 engraved lettering. The watch is completed on an ergonomically crafted stainless steel bracelet with a double safety system and an extension unit that will enable it to sit over the top of a racing suit if required.
If you’d like more information on the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph Indy 500 watch, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453.
