Streetwear’s biggest renaissance man Ronnie Fieg has unveiled Kith’s latest high-profile collaboration, working with Tag Heuer on reviving the brand’s original Formula 1 model from 1986, drawing on Fieg’s colourway expertise and personal history with the watch.
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Any conclusions jumped to regarding the Formula 1’s ties to the world’s largest racing organisation would be well-founded, as the watch owes its name to Tag Heuer’s storied involvement in motorsports, more specifically the years preceding the Tag Heuer merger in 1985, when the then-seperate firms were involved with the likes of Ferrari and McLaren.
The first series of Tag Heuer’s Formula 1 range is undoubtedly the most collectible and much like the millions who were exposed to the Formula 1 in the 80’s and 90’s, Ronnie Fieg’s enduring passion for watches started with this iconic timepiece.
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Now, 29 years after Fieg’s own introduction, the Kith founder, along with Tag Heuer itself, is reintroducing the tool watch to a new generation, releasing ten editions, both classic and contemporary.
The special edition Kith Formula 1’s arrive with a renewed material selection, upgrading the original’s plastic crystal and strap to sapphire and rubber (or steel), also opting for Arnite as the case material for seven of the ten iterations.
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While each watch has its own identity, continuity is present through Kith’s “Just Us” motto that is printed on the dials, alongside co-branded elements on the cases and bracelets.
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With ten watches to go around, Kith and Tag Heuer have divvied up where certain models can be purchased:
The only model to be shared between the two entities is the “eggshell dial with black bezel” variant that is directly inspired by the same design Ronnie Fieg owned when he was 13 years old. This reference (WA121F.BA0023) is also receiving the greatest production run of the set, with 1350 numbered editions ready to hit the market upon release.
Next up are seven different models that take inspiration from the various cities that Kith calls home, comprised of homages to Toronto, Hawaii, Paris, Tokyo, NYC, Miami and Los Angeles.
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The Paris and L.A versions can be identified by their 5-link steel bracelets and are limited to 350 pieces each, whereas the remaining city editions feature rubber straps and are limited to 250 pieces respectively.
The final two versions come bearing PVD-coated steel cases with respective green and electric blue bezels, plus straps to match and are available exclusively via Tag Heuer, limited to 825 pieces each.
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Each watch is priced at $1,900 USD. A collector’s box set containing all ten watches is available for $22,400 USD.
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In celebration of the F1 Grand Prix in Miami, Kith & TAG Heuer will be launching the collection early at their respective Miami stores this Friday, May 3rd.
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The wider release takes place on Monday, May 6th at all Kith online and physical locations, plus select TAG Heuer boutiques at 11AM CET/EST. Drawing for Kith’s online release is open now.
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The release at Kith stores will be first come, first serve.
