From then and now - TAG Heuer presents new "Monaco" trio

From then and now - TAG Heuer presents new "Monaco" trio

In its role as the new, long-standing watch partner of Formula 1 – TAG Heuer was already the official timekeeper of the premier class of motorsport from 1992 to 2003 – the LVMH brand launched three new models in the line of the same name just before the F1 race weekend in Monaco.

They're all square, of course. After all, the collection still draws on its roots in 1969. Back then, the first "Monaco" model surprised the watch world as the world's first wristwatch chronograph with an automatic movement – Calibre 11 – and a water-resistant square case. Added to that was the unusual positioning of the crown at 9 o'clock.

“Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph”

The striking appearance is deceptive. This "Monaco" chronograph weighs a mere 86 grams. This is made possible by the TH Titanium material used in the 41-millimeter case. A thermal process transforms titanium into this robust titanium at the atomic level. Furthermore, it displays a unique pattern on each timepiece.

Added to this is a generous amount of sapphire crystal. This not only ensures flawless readability at all times, but also lends the watch its exceptional appearance. The dial, bezel, and case back were selected for this purpose.

This leaves a clear view of the dial with its opaline chronograph counters and lime green hands, as well as the Calibre TH81-00 with split-seconds function for the simultaneous measurement of two time intervals. The latter is also partially made of titanium and, at 33 grams, is a true lightweight with a maximum power reserve of 65 hours.

(RRP €145,000)

“Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch Limited”

For those familiar with TAG Heuer's history, this new model will be particularly reminiscent of its predecessors from the 1960s and 1970s. Here, designers and engineers clearly drew inspiration from the history of the "Monaco."

This includes the color triad of black, white, and red for the “Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch Limited,” which is limited to 970 pieces.

Here, too, titanium is used for the 39-millimeter case, which is water-resistant to ten bar. It's Grade 2 titanium with a black DLC coating. In terms of size, TAG Heuer cites the first "Monaco" from 1969.

This also applies to the Calibre 11, which, in a modernized form, can be viewed through the sapphire crystal caseback as a tribute. It incorporates the functions hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, and date, and offers a 40-hour power reserve.

(RRP €9,650)

“Monaco Chronograph x Gulf”

The limited edition of this new “Monaco” version refers to the Porsche 917K with which Michael Delaney, aka Steve McQueen, raced around the racetrack in the cult film Le Mans in 1971 – always with his “Monaco” on his wrist.

The "Monaco Chronograph x Gulf" reflects this in its design and also incorporates elements of the first model from 1969. These include the crown at 9 o'clock and the Calibre 11, visible through the sapphire crystal case back.

It is protected by a 39-millimeter-diameter case made of Grade 2 titanium, which is water-resistant to ten bar.

The finely grained dial is adorned with vertical Gulf stripes and the Gulf logo, and the white textile strap also reflects the spirit of past racing decades. It is made of fire-resistant Nomex, now manufactured by the US company that created the original racing suits for the film Le Mans. Alternatively, this ticking piece of motorsport history can be worn on a blue openwork calfskin strap.

(RRP €9,400)