TAG Heuer has unveiled the latest chapter in its collaboration with Gulf Oil, introducing the Formula 1 Automatic Chronograph x Gulf, a limited-edition timepiece that draws on one of motorsport’s most recognisable colour schemes. Limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide, the new release continues a partnership that has become closely associated with endurance racing and automotive culture.
The watch marks the fourth collaborative model between the two brands and revisits the blue-and-orange Gulf livery that first gained prominence on racing circuits in the late 1960s. Originally created to maximise visibility on track, the distinctive colours went on to become an enduring symbol of motorsport, later reaching a wider audience through Steve McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans.
For TAG Heuer, whose history is deeply intertwined with motor racing and precision timekeeping, the collaboration reflects a shared heritage built around performance, engineering and competition. Rather than recreating vintage racing aesthetics, the new Formula 1 Automatic Chronograph presents these influences through contemporary materials and modern watchmaking.
Racing-inspired details with contemporary construction
The watch centres around a black opalin dial framed by a blue running track, while Gulf’s signature blue and orange stripes create an immediate visual link to the racing liveries that inspired the design. Skeletonised hour and minute hands enhance legibility while lending a more technical appearance, complemented by angular applied indexes influenced by the design language of modern Formula 1 machinery.
Surrounding the dial is a tachymeter bezel featuring a forged carbon insert, a material widely used in high-performance automotive engineering for its combination of strength and lightness. The naturally varied surface means that no two bezels are exactly alike, giving each watch a subtly individual character.
The 44mm case is crafted from sandblasted Grade 2 titanium, selected for its lightweight durability and comfortable wear. Black DLC-coated pushers reinforce the chronograph’s sporting aesthetic, while an orange-lacquered crown provides a subtle reference to dashboard instrumentation found in racing cars. Completing the exterior, the titanium bracelet has been finished to match the case, creating a cohesive and understated appearance despite the watch’s bold colour accents.
Turning the watch over reveals a caseback engraved with the Gulf logo, acknowledging the collaboration without overpowering the overall design.
Limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide
The Formula 1 Automatic Chronograph x Gulf is presented in dedicated packaging finished in Gulf’s signature blue and orange colour palette, reinforcing the identity of the collaboration from presentation through to the watch itself.
While collectors will undoubtedly appreciate its limited production of 1,000 pieces, the appeal of this edition extends beyond exclusivity. It represents the meeting point of two names long associated with performance engineering, combining contemporary materials with visual cues that continue to resonate across generations of racing enthusiasts.
Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, the latest Formula 1 Automatic Chronograph x Gulf demonstrates how one of motorsport’s most enduring partnerships can be reinterpreted through modern design. The result is a mechanical chronograph that acknowledges its racing heritage while remaining firmly positioned as a contemporary luxury sports watch.
