TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1

‘LIGHTS OUT’: TAG Heuer’s New Formula 1 Monaco is a Superb Limited-Edition Racing Machine

By Rob Edwards - News

Published: 3 Apr 2025

Readtime: 4 min

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In case you missed it—where have you been?—TAG Heuer has reclaimed its rightful place on the 2025 podium by once again taking on Formula 1’s official timekeeping responsibilities. Such a milestone deserves a suitably bold celebration, which is how we find ourselves coming face to face at Watches and Wonders 2025 with the highly ambitious (and at just 10 pieces, highly limited) TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1.

Now, I can imagine this striking timepiece will have something of a marmite effect for many, but you just can’t argue with TAG Heuer’s willingness to make a statement here. This is the kind of watch you’ll clock from across the pit and immediately know precisely what it is. Plus, beyond the daring aesthetics, it’s a highly impressive piece of technical work with the spirit of F1 embedded in its DNA.

Making Every Millisecond Count

In the world of motorsport, the difference between first and second place can come down to a fraction of a fraction of a second. As such, precision is everything, which is what TAG Heuer’s Monaco line is all about. This incarnation continues the work started by the iconic 1969 original—the world’s first automatic and water-resistant chronograph wristwatch with a square design , to be clear—by pushing for ever more precise measurements in an ever more striking form factor.

The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1® boasts the Calibre TH81-00 movement, which the La Chaux-de-Fonds maison claims to be one of the lightest, most advanced chronograph calibres it has ever made. Renowned for its complexity, the split-seconds function allows for two separate time intervals to be measured simultaneously — I imagine don’t need to explain how useful that can be on the race track.

Honed to Perfection

Beyond the mechanics, the Calibre TH81-00 is a formidable example of the meticulousness of Swiss craftsmanship. Whether you’re admiring the hand-finished bevels or the mirror-polished black screws, TAG Heuer doesn’t believe in shortcuts, meaning everything is expertly crafted and completely immaculate.

As you might expect, the movement’s oscillating weight is fashioned in the TAG Heuer’s shield shape, and it boasts a brushed finish and hand-painted white and red kerb-inspired design. Further, TAG Heuer’s signature checkered-flag pattern adorns the various bridges, while the polished bevels are entirely made by hand.

Prepare to Turn Heads

On race day it pays to keep your head on a swivel, and the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1 will have people turning their heads like they’re tracking an F1 car passing at top speed.

Constructed using white ceramic and sapphire crystal, TAG Heuer claims to have optimised the watch’s ergonomics without compromising on durability. Despite ceramic’s notoriously uncooperative nature, TAG’s artisans have crafted the case without falling back on an inner metallic container for the movement. What’s more, unlike moulded ceramic cases, each piece here is machined to obtain sharp finishes with every angle, curve, and surface entirely finished by hand.

Show Your Colours

What it really comes down to with the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1 is the details. Everywhere you look, there’s something that catches the eye, and drawing inspiration for Formula 1’s signature colours, it’s possibly the most racing-centric racing watch every made.

From the vibrant, red-tinted translucent dial to the chronograph counters inspired by racetrack design, it all nods to the track. Perhaps the detail that’s most fun—a side of watchmaking TAG embodies better than most—is the use of the famous phrase “LIGHTS OUT & AWAY WE GO” across the counters. Coined by legendary British commentator David Croft, it’s a perfect finishing touch for a timepiece that lives and breathes race day.