INTRODUCING: TAG Heuer Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph

Founded over 160 years ago in the Swiss Jura, TAG Heuer have been committed to technological innovation and groundbreaking developments. Famous for their iconic racing chronographs that dominated the high-octane world of motorsports. As one of LVMH’s flagship watch brands, TAG Heuer are taking all of their designs up a notch, with each new iteration taking the aesthetics and engineering to a whole new level. Today, TAG Heuer are releasing one of the most complicated Monaco Chronographs ever. Let’s see what these latest models are all about…

The Basics:

Brand: TAG Heuer

Model: Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph

Case Material: Titanium

Case Size: 41mm

Water Resistance: 30m

Movement: Calibre TH81-00

Movement Specs: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Split Seconds Chronograph.

Strap Options: Calfskin with embossed fabric pattern and titanium folding clasp.

The Juice:

The Monaco Chronograph is one of the most iconic designs that TAG Heuer have ever produced. First introduced in 1969, its distinctive square case took the world by storm. In parallel, the brand was also at the forefront of split-second timing, developing the first 1/100th of a second timing devices in the 1920s and ‘30s. This pioneering spirit led to the release of the first quartz powered split second chronograph in 1989, a watch that would be worn by legends such as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. This new Monaco is available in two different iterations: Black and Red or Blue and Silver.

Both pieces obviously come with that iconic square case shape with the pushers at the 8 and 10 o’clock positions. Machined out of titanium, either brushed or coated with Black DLC, the piece weighs a mere 85g which is absolutely mind blowing for a watch of this level of complication. The case also features a sapphire caseback allowing us to see the fantastic movement.

The Calibre TH81-00 is a fearsome movement. Made completely out of titanium to keep the watch insanely light, it is an absolutely fantastic piece of horological engineering. Decorated with a checkerboard motif, to emulate the flag that is flown at the end of a race, this finishing is pretty much unique to this specific model. The split-seconds function is incredibly hard to pull-off, let alone compress it into such a compact and light-weight package.

The dial is particularly impressive. On both models it is made out of sapphire. As of recent, TAG Heuer have been developing an impressive technological skillset around material technologies and this mastery of sapphire is clearly a significant part of this, as they strive to become industry leaders. On both models, the sapphire dial is supported by two beautifully finished titanium arches that show the different layers of the piece. The famous square sub-dials have been printed on fabulously, meaning that the piece maintains its classic feel.

The watches come on a pair of very elegant calfskin leather straps that have been embossed with a fabric pattern, making them look deceptively dynamic, whilst retaining that ultra-luxurious feel.

These fantastic chronographs are a fitting celebration of the Monaco’s 55th Anniversary, combining both its Avant Garde spirit and rich heritage.

So how much will the TAG Heuer Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph cost?

The TAG Heuer Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph will retail for 165,000 CHF.

Read more about the watch on the brands website here.