Collaboration king Kith shocked the world earlier this year when it teamed up with iconic watchmaker US best replica TAG Heuer for a retro-inspired reimagining of the classic Formula 1 collection. Similar to the much-loved OMEGA x Swatch MoonSwatch joint venture, this release gave fans a new entry point to experience the brand, and what’s more, it leveraged the burgeoning success of motorsport’s most important category.
Reviving the original high quality fake TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection from 1986, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Kith range introduced 10 new timepieces in varying colours and availability. Somewhat remarkably, TAG Heuer and Kith tracked down the original supplier of the case and the exact mould that was used for the first pieces, ensuring that this collection was as authentic as possible.
All 10 releases measured 35mm in diameter and boasted the original forms for the hour hand: a triangle with a dot inside at 12 o’clock, indices that alternate every quarter between shields and dots, and a contrasting minute. Meanwhile, the unidirectional turning bezel was finished in Arnite (plastic), and the cheap super clone watches were powered by a quartz movement with functions of hours, minutes, and seconds.
According to Kith founder Ronnie Fieg, it was a red and black US top copy TAG Heuer Formula 1 that ignited his passion for watches, so keeping to the original design was an important factor when considering this new partnership. “The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series 1 in red and black was my very first watch, the timepiece that helped me express the unique style that’s now manifested itself in Kith,” he said in a statement.
As far as collaborations go, Kith hit the nail on the head with this one. Swiss replica TAG Heuer watches’ connection to Formula 1 is unrivalled, and pulling an iconic, discontinued piece from the archives makes for a compelling story of exclusivity and intrigue. The watches themselves have this delightfully nostalgic charm that you just don’t see anymore. Love to see it.