TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1

TAG Heuer has recently unveiled a significant addition to its lineup, coinciding with its return as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1®: the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1®. This timepiece represents a fusion of high-complexity watchmaking and the intense spirit of motorsport. Limited to an extremely small production run, it showcases advanced materials and intricate mechanics, tailored for enthusiasts captivated by the world of high-speed racing. The release marks a notable moment for the brand, reinforcing its historical ties to F1 and pushing the envelope in avant-garde horology.



The legacy of TAG Heuer stretches back to 1860 when Edouard Heuer founded his workshop in the Swiss Jura Mountains. From its inception, the company focused on precision timekeeping, particularly chronographs and stopwatches. Key innovations punctuate its history, such as the oscillating Pinion patented in 1887, which simplified chronograph construction and is still used today. Another milestone was the 1916 introduction of the Mikrograph, the first stopwatch capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, revolutionizing sports timing. This commitment to precision naturally led the brand towards the demanding environment of motorsport.



Formula 1® and TAG Heuer share a history that dates back decades. The connection deepened significantly in 1969, the very year the Monaco watch was launched. This was when Heuer became one of the first non-automotive brands to sponsor a Formula 1® team, placing its logo on cars and driver suits – a pioneering move in sports marketing. This initial step evolved into active technical partnerships, providing crucial timing equipment to teams and drivers who relied on fractional seconds for competitive advantage.



Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Heuer's presence in the F1 paddock grew through collaborations with legendary teams like Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren. The brand's stopwatches and timing systems became indispensable tools in the pits, aiding race strategy and performance analysis. Icons of the sport, including drivers like Jochen Rindt, Niki Lauda, and later Ayrton Senna, were associated with the brand, relying on its instruments during their championship campaigns. This era solidified Heuer's reputation within the highest echelon of motorsport.



In 1992, TAG Heuer elevated its involvement by becoming the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1®, integrating its technology directly into the sport's critical timing and scoring infrastructure. This role underscored the brand's technical capabilities and cemented its identity within the racing world. Now, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Formula 1®, TAG Heuer has renewed this prestigious role, reaffirming its commitment. Adding another layer to this partnership, the brand also became the title partner for the iconic Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, linking its most famous watch model directly to the race.



The TAG Heuer Monaco itself is a horological icon, first introduced in 1969. It immediately broke conventions with its square case, a radical departure from the round watches dominating the market. It wasn't just the shape; the Monaco was also one of the first automatic chronographs, powered by the groundbreaking Calibre 11 movement developed in partnership with other firms. Furthermore, it was the first square-cased watch to offer water resistance, adding practicality to its bold design. The distinctive look, often featuring a vibrant blue dial and a crown positioned unconventionally on the left side, made it instantly recognizable.



The Monaco's cultural significance was amplified when Steve McQueen chose to wear it in the 1971 racing film Le Mans. Strapped to the wrist of the "King of Cool" amidst the backdrop of the legendary 24-hour race, the watch became inextricably linked with motorsport glamour and rebellious style. Its appeal extended beyond the racetrack, finding favor with creative figures like Sammy Davis Jr. and Stanley Kubrick, further establishing its status as an object of innovative design and cultural resonance.



Building on this rich heritage, TAG Heuer now introduces the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1®. This new model revives a particularly complex horological function: the split-seconds chronograph, often called a "rattrapante." TAG Heuer's mastery of this complication dates back over a century. The aforementioned 1916 Mikrosplit was an early example, enabling the timing of two separate intervals concurrently down to 1/100th of a second. This capability was vital not only in sports but also in scientific and industrial applications.



The practical application of split-seconds timing in racing became evident with devices like the Heuer reference 11.402 stopwatch in the 1960s. This tool was commonly seen in the hands of race team managers, like those at Scuderia Ferrari, allowing them to time multiple cars or laps simultaneously, providing critical data for race strategy. Even as technology evolved, the utility of the split-seconds function endured, with TAG Heuer producing quartz versions in the 1990s favored by racing legends such as Ayrton Senna, Gerhard Berger, and Michael Schumacher for its precision and ease of use.



The new TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1® (reference CBW2190.FC8356) channels this history into a contemporary masterpiece. It is explicitly designed for speed enthusiasts and represents one of the most intricate timepieces the brand offers. Its creation involves cutting-edge materials and techniques, reflecting the technological prowess found in both high-end watchmaking and Formula 1® engineering. Limited to just 10 pieces worldwide, its exclusivity underscores its special nature as a celebratory model.



At the heart of this limited edition beats the Calibre TH81-00, an automatic split-seconds chronograph movement. TAG Heuer highlights this caliber as one of the lightest and most technically advanced chronograph movements it has ever produced. The rattrapante mechanism itself is considered one of the pinnacles of chronograph complexity, involving an additional seconds hand and intricate systems of levers and wheels to allow the timing of intermediate intervals without stopping the main chronograph function. This is perfectly suited for tracking lap times or comparing the performance of two competitors simultaneously.



The Calibre TH81-00 is not just technically impressive but also finished to a high standard, showcasing Swiss watchmaking artistry. Details include hand-finished bevels on the bridges and black mirror-polished screws. A signature checkered-flag pattern, entirely handmade, adorns various bridges, visible through the caseback. The oscillating weight is uniquely shaped like the TAG Heuer shield, featuring a brushed finish and a hand-painted red and white pattern inspired by racetrack kerbing. These elements demonstrate a dedication to top-tier finishing and visual detail.



The movement operates at a high frequency of 5 Hertz (36,000 vibrations per hour), enabling precision timing. It offers a substantial power reserve of 65 hours when the chronograph is not running, and a still respectable 55 hours when the demanding chronograph and split-seconds functions are engaged. Its functions include displaying hours, minutes, and permanent seconds, alongside the chronograph with its central seconds hand and the additional split-seconds hand.



The case construction is a significant aspect of this watch's innovation. Crafted from white ceramic, it presents a bold and modern take on the classic 41mm Monaco square shape. Ceramic is known for its scratch resistance and lightness, but also for being notoriously difficult to machine and finish precisely. TAG Heuer emphasizes that this case is machined from a single block, not molded, allowing for sharper lines and more refined surfaces. Furthermore, every angle, curve, and surface is meticulously finished by hand, ensuring exceptional quality and optimized ergonomics.



Enhancing the case's profile are matching white ceramic arches positioned beneath the dial, contributing to what the brand describes as an aerodynamic silhouette. The fixed bezel surrounding the crystal is made of polished sapphire, complementing the ceramic. The case measures 15.2mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug distance of 47.9mm. The extensive use of sapphire extends to the caseback, which is crafted from a single piece of sapphire crystal, providing an unobstructed, panoramic view of the intricate Calibre TH81-00 movement within. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for significant water activities.



The crown, located traditionally at 3 o'clock for this model, is also crafted from white ceramic with sandblasted, fine-brushed, and polished finishes. It features a hand-lacquered TAG Heuer shield in red and green, echoing the logo on the dial. The chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock are similarly shaped and finished in white ceramic. A key feature for the rattrapante function is the split-seconds pusher, located at 9 o'clock. It's made of white ceramic with a distinctive red lacquered titanium tube and is flanked by fine-brushed, sandblasted white ceramic protectors at 8 and 10 o'clock, adding a technical and robust look to the case side.



Visually, the watch is striking. The dial is a vibrant, red-tinted translucent surface that offers glimpses of the underlying movement, particularly the white ceramic sandblasted bridges. This design choice aims to capture the raw energy and adrenaline associated with race day in Formula 1®. White markings ensure legibility against the red background. The applied hour markers are block-shaped and filled with white Super-LumiNova® for visibility in low light. At 12 o’clock, the hand-lacquered red and green TAG Heuer shield provides a prominent branding element.



The chronograph sub-dials draw direct inspiration from the racetrack. The minute counter at 3 o'clock and the hour counter at 9 o'clock feature a black grained finish reminiscent of asphalt. They incorporate white, red, and yellow markings inspired by starting grid positions and utilize official F1® typography. Adding a unique touch, these counters prominently display the phrase "LIGHTS OUT & AWAY WE GO," the iconic words spoken by Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft at the start of each Grand Prix, capturing the electric anticipation of the race beginning. The permanent second indicator at 6 o'clock has a rhodium-plated sandblasted ring and uses black markings.



Further reinforcing the F1® connection, the minute track around the dial's periphery features the official F1® logo discreetly printed at the 6 o'clock position, alongside the "SWISS MADE" indication. The hands contribute to the watch's sporty and technical aesthetic. The hour and minute hands are black gold, open-worked, and feature white Super-LumiNova® inserts with white tips for clarity. The central chronograph seconds hand is lacquered white, while the crucial central split-seconds hand is finished in bright red lacquer, making it easily distinguishable when timing intermediate intervals.



Completing the ensemble is a high-performance white calfskin strap. It features a textile pattern embossing and red hand stitching, complementing the dial's accents and the overall racing theme. The strap is secured with a sophisticated folding clasp made from Grade-5 titanium. This butterfly clasp includes safety push-buttons and offers a fine adjustment link, ensuring both security and a comfortable fit on the wrist. The use of lightweight yet strong titanium for the clasp aligns with the performance materials theme.



The presentation underscores the exclusivity of the timepiece. Each watch comes in a specially designed wooden box, lacquered in the signature white and red colors associated with Formula 1® and the watch itself. This packaging enhances the collector's experience and reflects the premium positioning of the model. Being one of only ten individually numbered pieces makes owning this watch a rare opportunity, akin to possessing a tangible piece of motorsport and horological history.



The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1® (CBW2190.FC8356) is priced at 155,000 Swiss Francs (CHF). Availability is scheduled for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025. Given the extremely limited production quantity and the high level of complexity and craftsmanship involved, this timepiece is aimed at serious collectors and enthusiasts with a deep appreciation for both advanced watchmaking and the world of Formula 1®.



Case: 41mm square case crafted from white ceramic with sandblasted, fine-brushed, and polished finishes. Features a polished sapphire fixed bezel, beveled domed sapphire crystal, white ceramic crown and pushers, and a full polished sapphire caseback. Dimensions are 15.2mm thickness and 47.9mm lug-to-lug, with 30 meters water resistance.

Movement: Automatic Calibre TH81-00 Split-Seconds Chronograph beating at 5 Hertz (36,000 VPH). Offers a power reserve of 65 hours (chrono off) or 55 hours (chrono on). Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, and split-seconds. Features hand finishes like the signature checkered flag pattern and hand beveling, plus a custom oscillating weight.

Dial: Vibrant red-tinted translucent dial showcasing white ceramic movement bridges. Includes white Super-LumiNova® block indexes, black gold open-worked hands with Super-LumiNova®, a white lacquered central chronograph hand, and a red lacquered central split-seconds hand. Displays three counters with F1-inspired details, the phrase "LIGHTS OUT & AWAY WE GO", a hand-lacquered TAG Heuer logo, and the F1 logo at 6 o'clock.

Strap: White calfskin strap featuring textile embossing and red hand stitching. Secured by a Grade-5 titanium butterfly folding clasp with safety push-buttons and a fine adjustment system.

Price: 155,000 CHF

Reference Number: CBW2190.FC8356

Notes: Extremely limited edition of only 10 pieces worldwide, celebrating TAG Heuer's return as Formula 1® Official Timekeeper. Features the highly complex rattrapante (split-seconds) chronograph complication housed in a hand-finished ceramic case machined from a single block. Availability planned for Q4 2025.