Matt Clymo 
It’s that time of the year again, and we’re gearing up for Formula 1 this weekend with round one at Albert Park Melbourne underway. We’ve got a look at the new TAG Heuer time clocks as the official timing partner for Formula 1
The Formula 1 season has officially kicked off, and this year, TAG Heuer is the new timing partner with LVMH inking a deal last year to have multiple brand partnerships from 2025 over the next 10 years. We’ve had glimpses and teasers of what the new time clocks on the track will look like, replacing the Rolex clocks we’ve got used to over the past 12 years. And now we know, they will be a Formula 1 – which let’s face it, is no surprise!
RELATED READING: TAG Heuer is officially confirmed as the timing partner for Formula 1
With the Louis Vuitton Melbourne Grand Prix weekend underway, Watch Advice’s intrepid Founder headed down to Melbourne (thanks to TAG Heuer) and got trackside and up close with some of the drivers from the paddock, and seems to be enjoying the hospitality and atmosphere of the weekend. On the track and in the paddock keeping everything running on time are the new TAG Heuer timing clocks.
Inspired by the brand’s 1986 Formula 1 collection, this timekeeping giant measures a larger than normal (for a watch that is!) 1200mm in diameter and is crafted from high-performance materials, including a fibreglass bezel, lightweight plexiglass dial, and precision-cut aluminium hands designed for instant readability. No matter the conditions—scorching sun, torrential rain, or the floodlights of a night race—high-visibility LED illumination ensures the time is always crystal clear.
And at just 35kg, it’s built to be both lightweight and incredibly durable. Integrated into Formula 1’s networked timing system, the pitlane clock stays perfectly synchronized across every circuit, recalibrated ahead of each race to ensure pinpoint accuracy down to the second.
Beyond the pitlane, TAG Heuer cements its presence in Formula 1 with the legendary TAG Heuer Monaco clock—a fitting tribute to the brand’s deep-rooted racing heritage. First released in 1969 and made famous by Steve McQueen in Le Mans, the Monaco is a true motorsport icon. Strategically placed in high-traffic areas like VIP hospitality zones and exclusive F1 lounges, this striking timepiece is impossible to miss. Mounted on towering three-meter totems, the paddock edition spans 55cm in width, while those in other key locations come in at 40cm—each featuring a three-sided illuminated display for maximum visibility. Whether you’re a driver, a team principal, or a VIP guest soaking in the action, TAG Heuer ensures you’re always on time—both for the race and for the moments that matter.
One of the great things about TAG Heuer now being the official timing partner with Formula 1 is the clocks have the ability to change and evolve, given TAG Heuer’s long association with F1, not to mention the many watch models they can take inspiration from. So fans can expect to see potentially more Monaco-inspired clocks, maybe a Carrera and variations of the Formula 1 throughout the decades.
It’s going to be a great season, and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds. We’ll be watching closely to see how the Red Bull team perform this year with Max viewing for his 5th straight World Drivers Championship, and new Red Bull Racing recruit, Liam Lawson as his teammate.
Speaking of the drivers, core to the Red Bull Tag Heuer partnership is Max Verstappen who will be sporting a custom TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in the paddock. Similar to the Monaco Split Seconds Chronpgraph released last year at Watches & Wonders, this has been customised for Max. One sub-dial proudly displays four stars alongside the years of his world titles, with World Champion inscribed beneath – a reminder of his reign at the top. The second sub-dial features his signature lion emblem and name, while the unmistakable number 1 at the 1 o’clock position makes a bold statement: Verstappen is the best in the world!
Meanwhile, rising star Liam Lawson, Oracle Red Bull Racing’s #2 driver, will also be repping TAG Heuer on race weekend, sporting the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Oracle Red Bull Racing. Sam will actually be reviewing this piece in the next week, so make sure you stay tuned for this.
With an action-packed weekend ahead, this writer is clocking off, and switching on to hear Crofty say those words – “It’s lights out!” Fingers crossed that TAG Heuer come up with a win, or if not, then we’re rooting for fellow Aussies, Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan to bring home a podium.
