Collection
I've been obsessed with watches for a long time. What started with Sekonda and Swatch, has evolved over the years to include at various times IWC, FP Journe, Rolex, Omega, Audemars Piguet, and several others. However, the one that started it all had always eluded me. I was 8 years old in 1990, when
I've been obsessed with watches for a long time. What started with Sekonda and Swatch, has evolved over the years to include at various times IWC, FP Journe, Rolex, Omega, Audemars Piguet, and several others.
However, the one that started it all had always eluded me. I was 8 years old in 1990, when my older cousin received a Tag Heuer Formula 1 for his birthday, and I still remember the moment I saw it. I was absolutely blown away. I just couldn't believe that an object could connect with me on an emotional level like that. My parents gave me everything they could as I was growing up, but a Tag Heuer for an 8 year old was out of the question, so I had to be content with wearing it whenever I would spend time at my cousins house.
I never forgot the Formula 1, and purchased a red Series 3 in 2004. I loved the watch, but it wasn't quite the same. The case was bigger and chunkier, and whilst it scratched the itch, it didn't have that same charm. I still wear it from time to time, but it never connected with me on the level that the Series 1 did, and truth be told, it's spent far more time in the case than on the wrist.
It was shortly after this time that I realized if I wanted my collection to represent the stages of my life, I would have to look to the past, as well as the present. My mind immediately returned to that Tag F1 Series 1. It was a Series 1, and for me, it was Chapter 1. Now, if you want a Series 1, and you're happy with something beaten up, not working, replacement strap, frankenwatch etc, then it's not that hard to track one down. If you want perfect condition, new old stock, then you'll be in for a harder time. Fortunately, I remembered the advice given to me by Baron when I first got into vintage Rolex, that it's better to wait and get something you're fully satisfied with, than to rush and always know that you could have done better. It took a while, and my search was more of a sporadic nature than an intense hunt, but last month the old adage that 'good things come to those who wait' was proven to be true, and I can finally say that I've been able to go back and write 'Chapter 1'.
Cheers
pejp
Thank you so much for this refreshing post. Best, Nicolas
Love it. How and where did you end up finding this?
Mine are similar, I had some other watches when I was younger, but the TAG Heuer F1 was also for me the awakening one. This was my first F1, back in 1988. I bought this one in 1991. Thanks for sharing your memories. Vte
I love the black/green second generation series 1 i.e. exposed steel case. I think that for a lot of watch guys, the Formula 1 is the 'gateway drug'.
That TAG was the first “nice” watch I purchased. It accompanied me through most of my college years, lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons during the summer, concerts, my first “real” job, etc. I should get a new battery for it. Cheers!
And a storybook ending no less. Thanks, M4
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