On the eve of Formula One’s most prestigious race, TAG Heuer has unveiled a timepiece worthy of the Monaco nameplate. The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph is a playful nod to the classic square-shaped silhouette, boasting an assortment of functions and features, along with a stunning new colourway that speaks to the very notion of adventure. Fifty-five years since the unique timepiece officially debuted, it’s fair to say that being square has never been more hip.
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While TAG Heuer itself boasts an unrivalled connection to motor racing, dating all the way back to Jack Heuer’s initial forays behind the wheel, the Monaco is a model that was born with the beating heart of a driver. The instantly recognisable square-shaped Monaco first drew worldwide acclaim on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the iconic 1971 film Le Mans, a move that would cement its place in cinematic and automotive history.
Since then, the timepiece has become one of TAG Heuer’s most important developments, celebrating the maison’s continued efforts to bridge the worlds of motor racing and fine horology. In recent years, we’ve seen the brand toy with experimental case materials with The Dark Lord and further entrench itself in racing’s upper eschelon through collaborations with Gulf. In 2024, TAG Heuer has returned to more historical motifs, but don’t be disheartened, the new Monaco Chronograph is anything but basic.
This time around, TAG Huer has opted for a refreshed colour palette that speaks to the origins and history of the Grand Prix for which it is named. The new timepiece features a striking dark blue hue that TAG Heuer reveals is a nod to the Principality of Monaco’s racing tradition, albeit with a fresh contemporary twist.
“The choice of colour is a nod to the Mediterranean coast, which hosts one of the world’s most prestigious races,” TAG Heuer wrote. “The touches of yellow on the hands and hour markers provide a vibrant contrast, evoking the sparks that fly from racing cars at high-speed.”
It must be said that the dial itself has a slightly more robust and brutalist design than we’ve seen before, evoking an almost Tron-esque style of futurism for the layout. This comes courtesy of a black DLC grade-2 sandblasted titanium construction, which not only feeds into the contemporary aesthetic but further defines the brand’s push towards innovative and performance-focused design.
Titanium is renowned for its lightweight and shock-resistant properties, making it the perfect muse for a Formula One-inspired timepiece. Just as Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez are attempting to reduce the weight of their cars and shave a few seconds off their lap time, TAG Heuer CEO Julien Tornare and his team are attempting to reconfigure the boundaries of modern watch design.
“Often the most difficult part is knowing how to balance bringing new things on a shape and design that has become an icon over the years. And touching an icon is the most sensitive part, so you have to find the right balance,” Tornare tells Man of Many. (The connection between Monaco and TAG Heuer) is so strong, not only the name but also the fact that we are the most present here. You see TAG Heuer all over the city, all over the principality. TAG Heuer is really part of the local, I would say, culture.”
As we have seen with a number of other Monaco releases in recent years, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph boasts a skeletonised dial, providing an unimpeded look at the spectacular Heuer 02 movement that powers the piece. A favourite for TAG Heuer over the past 12 months, this movement is the brand’s most impressive mechanical design, demonstrating a high level of precision under intense duress.
“This new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph is the latest chapter of the iconic collection,” the brand wrote. “It’s a symbol of the brand’s avant-garde spirit, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary watchmaking. This timepiece is not just a tool for measuring time but a companion for those who live on the edge.”
For watch lovers, the new Monaco Chronograph arrives as a love letter to classic design. All the hallmarks of the original timepiece remain, from the striking blue dial to the left crown placement, all set within an eye-catching square shape. The new timepiece is completely and unequivocally TAG Heuer. The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph was unveiled in Monaco ahead of the Grand Prix on Saturday, June 25. The timepiece will be available from May 2024 and is priced at 11,000 CHF.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph
- Brand: TAG Heuer
- Model: Monaco Chronograph
- Reference: Ref. CBL2188.FT6261
- Movement: Calibre Heuer 02 (ref. TH20-00)
- Diameter: 39mm
- Water-Resistance: 100m
- Price: 11,000 CHF
