TAG Heuer, the esteemed Swiss luxury watchmaker known for its precision and pioneering design has unveiled the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in both red and blue editions. The brand has a storied history with the split-seconds chronograph, dating back over a hundred years. Since the early 20th century, the brand has been at the forefront of this complex horological feature, evident in various models of stopwatches and dashboard timers.
The Mikrograph, launched in 1916, was a groundbreaking stopwatch that offered 1/100th-second precision and became the preferred timing tool at the Olympic Games during the 1920s and 1930s. This tradition of innovation was furthered with the Microsplit, which featured a split-seconds function and also boasted 1/100th-second accuracy.
In the 1960s, Heuer stopwatches were essential in motorsport timing, epitomized by the reference 11.402, a split-seconds chronograph that measured time to 1/10th of a second accuracy and was used by Jean Campiche of Scuderia Ferrari. In 1989, TAG Heuer introduced a quartz split-seconds chronograph wristwatch, which gained widespread popularity among racing icons such as Ayrton Senna, Gerhard Berger, and Michael Schumacher throughout the 1990s. Now, in 2024, TAG Heuer introduces the newest member of this prestigious lineage, the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, a paragon of precision timekeeping.
Since its debut in 1969, the TAG Heuer Monaco has broken new ground with its unique square shape, left-side crown, and striking blue dial, establishing itself as the first water-resistant square chronograph wristwatch. Celebrated by cultural icons like Sammy Davis Jr., Stanley Kubrick, and Steve McQueen, its avant-garde aesthetic has remained influential. Marking 55 years of the Monaco series, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph reimagines this classic design. The watch, made from lightweight grade-5 titanium, weighs just 85 grams and features a case that combines titanium and sapphire, highlighting its innovative use of materials and design focused on lightness and transparency.
The core is the newly introduced TH81-00 mechanical split-seconds chronograph caliber, crafted entirely in titanium and developed in partnership with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. This caliber is one of the lightest automatic chronograph movements ever created by TAG Heuer. Known as "rattrapante," the split-seconds function allows for the simultaneous measurement of two separate time intervals, an asset in both competitive racing and various sports timings, offering unmatched precision and versatility.
This movement represents a culmination of TAG Heuer's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, combining traditional Swiss craftsmanship with advanced technology. According to Carole Forestier-Kasapi, TAG Heuer's Director of Movement Creation, every element of the watch reflects the brand's dedication to the art of watchmaking.
The new model is available in two vibrant colour schemes: a sporty red version that echoes TAG Heuer's racing heritage and a classic blue version that pays tribute to the original Monaco's colour palette. The watch features a sapphire crystal case back that provides a clear view of the intricate TH81-00 caliber, with a design that makes the oscillating weight appear to float, enhancing the visual appeal of the watch.
The oscillating weight, shaped in the iconic TAG Heuer shield, is decorated with a brushed finish and a gradient of red or blue, hand-painted to signify TAG Heuer's commitment to exclusivity in its high-end models. The precision in craftsmanship is further displayed in the checkerboard pattern on the centre bridge and the fine brushed finish on the balance wheel bridge, with polished bevels and sandblasted surfaces that showcase the detailed work invested in the movement.
The dial of the watch, made from sapphire crystal, melds functionality with aesthetics, offering perfect legibility and showcasing the sophisticated mechanisms underneath. The blue and red editions feature titanium cases with gradient dial arches achieved through meticulous anodizing processes, adding a dynamic visual effect.
The unique titanium rattrapante pusher at 9 o'clock complements the color of the split-seconds hand, adding a stylish touch to the watch's design. The subdial at 6 o'clock mirrors the shape of the dial arches, and the labels "Rattrapante" and "Chronograph" subtly highlight the watch's technical prowess. Each timepiece is individually numbered on the oscillating weight and comes with a hand-stitched calfskin strap that features a fabric pattern, reinforcing TAG Heuer's tradition of combining luxury with distinctive, bold aesthetics.
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