In its nearly three decades of existence, Formula 1 has always been one of TAG Heuer's entry-level products, relying on quartz movements to keep prices as low as possible. Recently, TAG Heuer men's replica announced the first mechanical Formula 1 men's model, a chronograph powered by their Caliber 16 automatic movement. It is sporting the established look of the Formula 1 line, the new Formula 1 Caliber 16 Automatic plays for some love from the mechanical purists among us.

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Caliber 16 Replica Auto measures 44mm wide, an increase of 2mm over its quartz siblings, which may not seem like a major change, but we assume it will have a noticeable effect on the presence of the wrist. As the flagship model for the Formula 1 line-up, the Caliber 16 Chronograph is equipped with a sapphire glass, 200m water resistance, and a rubber strap or a steel and ceramic bracelet, depending on on the model. Buyers will be able to choose between two steel models with ceramic bezels and steel bracelets with ceramic center links (CAU2010 and the CAU2011 with red accents), or a titanium carbide-coated steel model with a black and orange dial, ceramic bezel, and rubber strap (CAU2012). The three options cater to a wide variety of flavors, with the more reserved CAU2010 at one end of the spectrum and the bold and sporty CAU2012 at the other.

Most notable for its timepiece, the new Formula 1 mechanical line is powered by TAG Heuer's Caliber 16. An automatic chronograph movement that uses either an ETA 7750 or a Sellita SW-500 as a base. For the end-user, these two movements are identical, and both can be used by TAG Heuer to power a Caliber 16 replica watches, with the decision likely to be determined by the availability of the timepiece. The tri-compact layout allows for a maximum measurement of 12 hours, with a 30 minute counter at twelve and a central Chrono second hand.

While the styling of the Formula 1 line can be somewhat polarizing, the now 27-year-old design has found a large fan base and is a distinctive presence within TAG Heuer's offering. I had had a Formula 1 Grande Date for a while and found the lugless design quite comfortable and the sporty race-inspired styling distinctive and quite cool. While I eventually turned my Formula 1 around for a more classic automatic Aquaracer, I see the new Caliber 16 versions being quite popular. I really like the anthracite-colored dials and ceramic bezels on the CAU2010 and CAU2011. The more reserved use of color on both models makes this perhaps the perfect knockoff watches for Monday through Friday at the office and weekends at the track. The more brutal CAU2012 is the classic Formula 1 and contains the bright colors and sporty style of the motorsport world—the pitfall of perfect watches.