The Tag Heuer Silverstone was a model from the 1970s that a good deal of Tag Heuer watch enthusiasts have been asking for Tag Heuer to remake. The model is back, but as a limited edition. With re-issues of lines such as the Monaco, it was only a matter of time before this side-sided square watch got a modern treatment. It is not a re-release as the watch has been updated and modernized, and it is not a retro inspired as it is closer to a re-issue being very accurate to the original. This is a bona fine throwback watch model for those who miss that era – brown colors and all (I don’t know why car makers at the time thought brown was a nice color for car interiors). The Silverstone watch is also part of Tag Heuer’s 150th anniversary collection of items.

Two models of the watch will see the light of day early in 2010. In the “suede brown” color and in the “PAN AM blue.” I think my descriptions match the tones pretty well – certainly reminiscent of the times. While I mentioned that the new Silverstone models are modernized, Tag Heuer actually did a lot to ensure that it would be hard to tell the difference if you sat them side by side with the originals. Efforts were taken to ensure the dimensions where the same, and little things like the pushers stayed true to the original. The watch is unique for having the watch crown on the left side of the case, and the chronograph pushers on the right side of the case. I think some of the Monaco models did that as well. By the way, the “Silverstone” name refers to a racing circuit in England.

Inside the watch is the Tag Heuer Caliber 11 automatic movement that is an ETA automatic with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module on top of it. You can see the movement lightly decorated through the sapphire caseback of the watch. Placing the crown on the left side of the case work because the automatic winding of the watch makes it so that you don’t have to wind the watch. Attached to the watch will be a matching perforated alligator strap. They look quite cool with the dial.

The look of the dial is simple, but evocative of the era and easy to read. Truly a 70s design that isn’t obnoxiously 70s. The lume covered hands are a bit simplistic – reminding me of those on an Omega Speedmaster Professional, but are accurate representations of those that were popular in the 1970s. The 30 minute chronograph looks easy to view as well. Each of the two models will be available as a limited edition of 1,860 pieces each. Not sure about price, but it has been rumored to be pretty high at $6,500 per watch for the limited edition Tag Heuer Silverstone. Release is due in February of 2010. You can likely get one of these Tag Heuer watches at The Watch Gallery, who seems to get most new Tag Heuer watches very soon after they are released.