TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph: Sapphire And Titanium
With its cushion-shaped case, the Monaco from TAG Heuer is an icon among racing-inspired watches. On the occasion of Watches & Wonders 2024, the LVMH brand is presenting two new models with a unique design and split-seconds chronograph. The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is available with classic blue accents or in a more intense version with a black case and red accents. Both have a sapphire crystal plate as caseback, which makes the movement appear to float.
Monaco Case Made of Titanium And Sapphire Crystal
The 41 mm case of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is made of titanium. While the blue version retains the natural hue of the metal, the red version has an additional black DLC coating. Both feature a brushed front, sandblasted sides and polished accents on the pushers. The case measures 47.9 mm lug-to-lug and 15.2 mm in height.
The characteristic cushion shape of the Monaco is complemented by a stepped sapphire crystal that also allows a clear view from the side. The caseback is entirely novel: instead of the usual sapphire crystal window, it is made entirely of the mineral. The thick, faceted pane is attached to the titanium case by four screws. This unique composition of the case makes the movement appear to float in the centre. Moreover, it makes the extremely low weight of 85 grams possible (the brand’s watches typically weigh almost twice as much).
The start and stop pushers are located on the right flank of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph. Opposite at 9 o’clock, protected by a pair of guards, is the rattrapante pusher. It separates the main hand from the split-seconds hand and ensures that the latter “catches up”. Meanwhile, the crown bears a stylised TAG Heuer logo in blue or red, depending on the model. The water resistance of the watch is 30 metres.
The sapphire crystal dial of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph
The dial itself is also sapphire crystal, revealing the mechanical inner workings of the watch. Red hour indices complement the minute track on both versions. There are also square luminous dots which, together with the main hands, which are also luminescent, guarantee legibility in the dark. The two metallic arches are striking; in the blue version, they offer a gradient to a darker shade and thus add dynamism to the ensemble. In the red version, on the other hand, they appear in deep black and emphasise the intense racing character of the watch.
The small seconds dial at 6 o’clock echoes the shape of these arches and thus finds its place despite its unusual shape. The two rectangular counters are located in the sapphire crystal dial and measure the elapsed hours and minutes. The colour of their hands resembles that of the split-seconds hand, thus highlighting their function in conjunction with the two central chronograph hands. Last but not least, the model name “Monaco” is engraved on the mainplate and visible through the sapphire crystal dial together with an applied TAG Heuer logo.
The New TH81-00 Movement
With the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds, the new TH81-00 calibre makes its debut. The movement came to be in collaboration with the Swiss supplier Vaucher from Fleurier and features a rattrapant mechanism with two column wheels. The TH81-00 is composed of titanium, making it the lightest TAG Heuer chronograph ever. The balance beats at a fast 5 Hz, which benefits both precision and makes measurement of tenths of a second possible. However, the high frequency has a negative effect on the power reserve. Nevertheless, the mainspring barrel offers a maximum power reserve of 65 hours. When the chronograph is running, this reduces to 55 hours.
Meanwhile, the automatic winding mechanism utilises an oscillating weight in the form of the TAG Heuer shield to generate energy. The oscillating weight also showcases the accent colour, which creates a harmonious look on the back as well. The movement bears a decorative chessboard pattern reminiscent of a chequered flag. There are also hand-polished edges, bead-blasted surfaces and polished screws.
Price, Strap & Availability of The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph
The strap is made of calfskin and has a textile pattern in blue or red. A matching folding clasp secures the watches to the wrist. The two variants will be available from June 2024. The price is 165,000 Swiss francs.
On the occasion of Watches & Wonders 2024, TAG Heuer is presenting the Carrera Chronograph Panda. The Carrera has been around since 1963 and celebrated its 60th birthday last year. We are now seeing a new variant with a Panda dial inspired by the historic 7753 SN from the 1960s. "SN" stands for "silver noir"…
Vacheron Constantin introduces one of the most complicated wristwatches ever produced by the Maison. This one-of-a-kind double-sided timepiece displays the chronograph hours and measurements on the front, along with a perpetual calendar. The back is dedicated to astronomical functions, including indications of solar time, equation of time, sunrise and sunset, day and night duration, as well…
The art of enamelling and engraving has been applied by Jaeger-LeCoultre for many years. Now the Swiss label puts this art in a focus with introducing three new models of the Reverso. Therefore the artisans of the brand followed the idea of a model revealing this kind of art on their back. On the front a finely hand-guillochéd dial…
The Parmigiani Fleurier L'Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse was presented on the occasion of Michel Parmigiani's birthday on 2nd December and pays tribute to the vision and expertise of the Maison's founder. It features a minute repeater with cathedral gongs, a manual movement, and a unique design inspired by nature. The watch also has a secret dial that reveals…
With the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra, the Roman brand breaks the world record for the thinnest mechanical watch. The piece measures only 1.80 mm in height and thus knocks the previous world champion, the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept, off its throne. To reduce the case height even further, Bulgari's watchmakers break with tradition and not…
Hublot is presenting three very special timepieces at this year's LVMH Watch Week in Singapore, all of which break with old conventions. From a transparent neon-coloured case and a watch helping to protect the rhinoceros to a new edition of an all-time classic, Hublot is coming up with all the goods. Classic Fusion Original The…
After the success of the prototype’s sale at the Only Watch auction, F.P. Journe presents the final version: Astronomic Souveraine. It is a grand complication watch in a steel case, with 18 functions and complications, entirely devoted to the contemplation of the stars. From prototype to production – F.P. Journe Astronomic Souveraine The inspiration for…
The RM S14 Talisman Origine looks like something from a bygone era, with only the characteristic tonneau case hinting that this is indeed a Richard Mille timepiece. The piece is a tribute to the ‘Talisman Origine’; a talisman which, according to Richard Mille, was discovered in the heart of the Swiss Jura, and said to…
With the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, Rolex once again revives an idea of the past: the wristwatch as a practical tool. Built and developed for the professionals – that is the formula Rolex focuses upon for its new release, which is water-resistant up to 11,000 metres. The titanium case, ringlock system and helium escape valve…
Together with its long-time ambassador Giannis Antetokounmpo, Breitling has introduced a special edition of the Chronomat. Inspired by the athlete's impressive journey from the basketball courts of Athens to the NBA, two watches immortalise the basketball star's personality and style. These watches are available in two versions: the Chronomat GMT with a 40 mm steel…
Panerai introduces a new version of one of the most surprising creations: The Lo Scienziato Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Titanio (Ref. PAM00767) with a 3D-printed titanium case and the P.2005/T skeletonised movement with tourbillon regulator. With its titanium case 3D-printed using the technique of direct metal laser sintering, the Lo Scienziato Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT is one of the most innovative…
The new Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked is a watch requires a second, closer look to appreciate all of its various elements and features. The model showcases a modern bicolour design and combines an electric-blue finish with rose-gold details that make the carefully crafted open-worked movement shine brightly, highlighting all of the details. Several new releases…
Porsche Design celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo with a special edition timepiece, the Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition. Limited to 500 pieces, this watch is a homage to the legendary sports car unveiled at the 1974 Paris Motor Show. The Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition…