Introducing New TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in Red and Blue

TAG Heuer is known for its motorsport heritage, and one of the brand’s most iconic timepieces is the Monaco Chronograph, introduced in 1969. This distinctive square-shaped watch gained instant recognition for its avant-garde design and technology, as it was the first water-resistant square case with an automatic chronograph movement. Notably, the Monaco gained more fame due to its appearance on the wrist of actor Steve McQueen in the 1971 film "Le Mans." The Monaco Chronograph collection has seen a diverse array of releases, showcasing TAG Heuer's commitment to innovation and tribute to its motorsport heritage. Among these, notable mentions include the first skeletonized Monaco, and  the limited-edition Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue Caliber 11 that pays homage to the French Racing Blue. 

During the 1960s, the brand's stopwatches became a fixture in motorsport paddocks, akin to the old pocket watch, reference 11.402. This particular timepiece boasted a split-seconds chronograph, capable of measuring time with precision down to 1/10th of a second. Now, marking the occasion of W&W 2024 and commemorating 55 years of the Monaco collection, TAG Heuer presents the newest addition to this iconic line: the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph. 

Known as "rattrapante" in French, this split-seconds function represents a pinnacle of sophistication, requiring expert watchmakers due to its intricacy. It can simultaneously measure two distinct time intervals, surpassing the capabilities of a standard chronograph. The timepiece comes in two variants, the first one features a case crafted from black DLC brushed, sandblasted, and polished grade 5 titanium. The black DLC coating provides a sleek and modern appearance, perfectly complemented by the contrasting red-lacquered TAG Heuer shield adorning the crown at 3 o'clock.

In contrast, the second variant of the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph boasts a case crafted from fine brushed, sandblasted, and polished grade 5 titanium. The absence of the black DLC coating allows the natural luster of titanium to shine through, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design. The crown at 3 o'clock is adorned with a blue-lacquered TAG Heuer shield, providing a pop of color against the titanium backdrop, and at 9 o'clock lies the polished titanium split-seconds push-button that comes in either blue or red. Both variations share a 41mm case, with a polished sapphire fixed bezel and a beveled, domed sapphire crystal, and a sapphire crystal caseback. 

The dial is offered in two variations, each featuring a sapphire crystal construction and intricate detailing. One variant presents black DLC fine brushed, sandblasted, and polished titanium arches, while the other boasts anodizing gradient blue arches. Both versions highlight a black or white opaline minute chronograph counter positioned at 3 o’clock, a silver small second indicator positioned at 6 o’clock, and another black or white opalin hour chronograph counter at 9 o’clock. Additionally, the dial is adorned with Super-LumiNova applied indexes for enhanced legibility in any lighting condition. The hands are rhodium plated, while the counter’s hands, including the central chronograph, feature a red or blue color.

The core of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph lies in the recently unveiled TH81-00 mechanical split-seconds chronograph caliber. This caliber, constructed entirely from titanium, stands as one of the lightest automatic chronograph movements ever developed by TAG Heuer, in collaboration with the renowned manufacturer Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. Operating at a frequency of 36,000 vph (5Hz), it offers a power reserve of 65 hours with the chronograph disengaged and 55 hours with the chronograph activated. Both watches come with a red or blue hand-stitched calfskin strap embossed with a fabric pattern, accompanied by either a black DLC or brushed titanium butterfly folding clasp with safety push-buttons and adjustment link. The watches will be available in June 2024 at a price of CHF 135,000 which is equivalent to AED 550,000. 

For more information please visit TAG Heuer’s official website.