While he may not have walked away from Monaco with a Grand Prix victory, Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen is still flying high. The reigning Formula One Drivers Champion is in the box seat for a fourth consecutive title, sitting 31 points clear of his closest rival, Charles Leclerc. The Dutchman is once again the man to beat and somewhat fortuitously, he’s got time on his side. At a star-studded event on Monaco’s Port Hercules last weekend, Verstappen copped what could be his most coveted prize yet, a personalised TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds, the Swiss watchmaker’s most complicated watch ever.
Aboard the brand’s floating safe haven in the fabled Monaco port, which saw a swathe of celebrity guests, music superstars and even a visit from the Crown Prince, TAG Heuer CEO Julien Tornare unveiled the stunning new piece. The head of the LVMH-backed luxury brand used the Monaco Grand Prix as the ideal backdrop to present Verstappen with a one-of-a-kind version of the new TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, which features special details honouring his illustrious career.
On the 9 o’clock subdial, the dates 2021, 2022, and 2023 are marked with stars representing World Championship victories. At 3 o’clock, you’ll find Verstappen’s iconic lion head logo, alongside the number ‘1’, his racing number, in striking red at 1 o’clock on the sapphire crystal dial.
The reverse side of the watch also features an engraving that reads ‘World Champion – Max Verstappen,’ immortalising the 26-year-old star’s remarkable legacy on his wrist. As Tornare explained, the exceptional piece not only celebrates Verstappen’s achievements but also serves as a constant reminder of his remarkable journey in Formula 1.
“Tonight is all about celebration. From our incredible drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez to the 20th season of Oracle Red Bull Racing, it is a weekend that keeps on giving and we could not be more enthusiastic to be here all together, in this iconic setting that is Monaco,” Tornare told guests. “We are thrilled to commemorate these milestones with the Principality with whom the relationship has witnessed the birth of our most iconic chronograph.”
First unveiled at Watches & Wonders this year, the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds represents the pinnacle of horological design for the La Chaux-de-Fonds icon. The automatic rattrapante release, which arrived in a stunning titanium case, marked the first time TAG Heuer had produced a split-second chronograph wristwatch. Of course, the Maison had crafted split-second stopwatches in the past, most notably for sports timekeeping activities, but this was a new venture.
For lovers of high-watchmaking, it was an unexpected delight. The split-seconds functionality allows you to time two successive intervals, which for a brand with a motor racing history as rich as TAG Heuer’s, comes in handy. With this added complication, tracking consecutive lap times becomes far easier, courtesy of the superimposed seconds hands. When not in use, the two hands sit on top of one another, giving the appearance of a singular hand, however, once you start the chronograph, both initiate.
This all comes via the newly introduced TAG Heuer rattrapante TH81-00 movement, which was created in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. Together, the two watchmaking icons worked to create a high-frequency, column-wheel chronograph movement that was capable of adapting to the ever-changing needs of a Formula One driver. The end result is a stunning movement that delivers 65 hours of power reserve and more than enough timekeeping prowess.
From a design perspective, the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds takes what fans already love about the square-shaped release and dials the intrigue up to 11. At 41mm, it’s not small by any stretch, but the black DLC-coated titanium gives it a sleek and refined aesthetic that matches its exuberant racing connection.
Of course, the Max Verstappen model is not for public availability, but the sentiment still stands – TAG Heuer’s foray back into the world of rattrapante movements is worthy of global appeal. With a world champion on-side, it’s hard to fault the latest innovation from the iconic Swiss luxury brand.
TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Rattrapante
- Brand: TAG Heuer
- Model: Monaco Split-Seconds
- Reference: Ref. CBW2181.FC8322 (red) / Ref. CBW2182.FC8339 (blue)
- Diameter: 41mm
- Movement: Calibre TH81-00 – automatic split-seconds chronograph
- Power Reserve: 65 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30m
- Price: EUR 135,000
