Tag Heuer has some great watches. One interesting line is the “Formula 1” line. The line ranges from entry level quartz watches through to automatic watches with interesting characteristics. Case in point is the Calibre 7 GMT with a ‘batman’ bezel. Let’s go through it

What do you get in the box?

Let’s start with an unboxing, such as it is. The outerbox is standard card, as you would expect. The inner box is robust. It does not exactly have quirks and features but it is perfectly pleasant. The outside is black with a leather feal inside, replete with a watch pillow and the tag Heuer logo. The instruction manual is relatively standard tag Heuer fare. You will probably not spend much time with the watch box, however.

What is the watch like?

If we move to aesthetics and the case, the watch is well done and is solid. This one is in good condition. The case is mostly brushed stainless steel and is 41mm in diameter, so it does not attract finger prints or scratches. The side of the case is weirdly more polished. It is not clear why. The case is water resistant to 200 meters.

The dial is black and unpatterned. It would be nice if Tag Heuer did a little more to the dial. But, it works. The dial is quite legible. It has the tag Heuer logo at 12 o’clock, and the movement and GMT at 6’oclock. The date is easy to read and at 3’oclock. The dial is well put together. The hands are similarly quite fine.

The bezel has a batman color way, coming in blue and black. Similarly, the GMT hand is in matching blue. The bezel does not rotate. That is to be expected given that it is a GMT: the bezel remains in place so that you can read the time on the GMT hand. The color scheme is attractive and coherent. It is interesting without being ostentatious or garish.

The case back is closed. It has Tag Heuer and some patterning on it. It is perfectly pleasant but is not unusual or celebrious. The case back is functional and lightly decorated. The closed case back could be because the movement is likely relatively standard.

The dial has legible lume and is easy to see in the dark. However, the GMT hand and GMT utility is not easy to see in the dark.

The bracelet similarly is brushed stainless steel with a standard tag Heuer clasp. The bracelet feels comfortable and is easy to wear. The clasp is solid and secure and is signed with the tag Heuer logo. But, otherwise it is relatively normal and easy to use.

Movement and Functions

The movement is a Tag Heuer Calibre 7. This appears to be based on either an ETA or Sellita movement, depending on execution. In either case, it is relatively robust and easy to service given the movement’s ubiquity.

The movement has 42-46 hours or power reserve and 28800 BPM. Adjusting the time is standard: unscrew the crown and twist the crown. The date and GMT hand are easy to adjust. At the other crown setting, you twist one way for the date and the other way to move the GMT hand. It is slightly annoying, however, as the date and GMT hand are not bi-directional, meaning you might have to cycle the hand or date again if you accidently change it. Nevertheless, it is easy to use.

Overall thoughts

The watch overall is a good option. It is attractive, a nice size, and is solid. Other options can include the Breitling SuperOcean, depending on the specification. Another alternative is the Tag Heuer Aquaracer, which has similar aesthetics. The Formula 1 GMT, however, is good value and worth your consideration.