The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is a high-octane, high-horology take on the brand’s legendary motorsports chronograph
Jamie WeissOne of the most exciting watches produced for the delayed Only Watch 2023 auction was the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph: a groundbreaking piece for the brand that not only features an eye-catching texturised titanium and sapphire crystal case but debuted TAG Heuer’s first mechanical split-seconds chronograph movement, the Calibre TH81-00. It was a real statement and a real milestone for TAG Heuer – which is why it’s such good news that the Only Watch auction is now slated for later in May.
Thankfully, as is often the case with Only Watch pieces, that piece unique has formed the basis for a mainline production model. This new Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2024, features an even sportier aesthetic than its Only Watch template – and the brand is making more than just one, which is the really exciting bit. Two versions will be available: a blue and a red, the latter of which we were able to get hands-on with.
The case
The series production Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, like the Only Watch model, features a titanium case – but rather than a texturised finish, it sports a black DLC finish, with a combination of brushed, sandblasted and polished surfaces. This helps make this famously large watch rather light on the wrist.
Another quirk of its case design is its caseback. Rather than simply featuring a sapphire crystal exhibition window, the entire bottom ‘sandwich’ of the case is made from a single piece of sapphire. This serves to expose the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph’s movement further and makes the watch look even more futuristic.
The dial
The dial of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is really more of an anti-dial: the circular part of the dial is actually an openworked void, with the ‘dial’ itself extending from the case’s periphery, sitting atop titanium arches, and terminating at the minute track. The movement’s mainplate is visible through the void, with the chronograph sub-dials punching through. It’s beautifully three-dimensional and looks very high-tech.
The strap
The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph comes mounted on a hand-stitched red calfskin strap embossed with a fabric pattern. It features a bare titanium butterfly folding clasp combined with a pin buckle, safety push-buttons, and fine adjustment links in black DLC titanium. I think this hybrid strap helps the watch look even sportier than its Only Watch progenitor.
The movement
Now to the really exciting bit. As mentioned earlier, the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is powered by TAG Heuer’s first mechanical split-seconds chronograph movement, the Calibre TH81-00. TAG explains that this movement “enriches the Maison’s lineage of ground-breaking precision timing instruments pioneered by the Mikrograph in 1916,” and can be seen as a sort of spiritual (and mechanical) successor to the brand’s Microsplit stopwatch from the 70s, the first 1/100 second precision pocket electronic timer.
Produced in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier (who also produce chronograph movements for Richard Mille, among other high-end brands), the Calibre TH81-00 is predominately made from titanium and features a cool checkerboard pattern finish across its centre and balance wheel bridges. It beats at 5 Hz, and boasts a 65-hour power reserve with the chronograph off and 55 hours with it running.
The verdict
The (TAG) Heuer Monaco is already one of the most iconic motorsports watches of all time, worn by legends like Steve McQueen and Max Verstappen, but this new rattrapante take on this square beauty makes it even more high-octane. I’m glad that TAG decided to make this watch and its movement accessible to the broader public (if you can really call a six-figure watch ‘accessible’)… But I digress. This is one of the raciest Monacos ever made and it’s exciting to see TAG’s mechanical watchmaking become increasingly mature.
TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph pricing and availability
The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph will be available from June 2024. Price: CHF 165,000.
| Brand | TAG Heuer |
| Model | Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph |
| Reference Number | CBW2181.FC8322 (red) CBW2182.FC8339 (blue) |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 15.2mm (T) x 47.9mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Black DLC titanium case, polished sapphire fixed bezel |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Sapphire crystal dial, semi-openworked |
| Strap | Hand-stitched textile and calfskin strap with titanium butterfly clasp |
| Movement | Calibre TH81-00, produced in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours (chrono off) / 55 hours (chrono on) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, split-seconds function |
| Availability | Available from June 2024 |
| Price | CHF 165,000 |