Already long associated with motorsport, the Swiss watchmaker is now more visibly embedded in the event than ever.
To coincide with the partnership, TAG has released three new versions of the Monaco, its most recognisable racing chronograph.
The new models offer three distinct angles on what the Monaco has come to represent since its launch in 1969: engineering, culture and sport.
The Monaco holds a significant place in horological history.
When it launched, it was the first automatic chronograph housed in a square, water-resistant case—a design breakthrough at the time. Powered by the Calibre 11, it challenged conventional round-case styling with its distinctive left-side crown and sharp lines. It gained instant credibility on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the 1971 cult movie Le Mans and has since become one of the few watches to straddle technical innovation and pop culture so effectively.
The most technically advanced of the new releases is the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, featuring a movement developed in partnership with Vaucher Manufacture. Made entirely from titanium, the ultra-light Calibre TH81-00 allows for split-seconds (or "rattrapante") timing—tracking two separate intervals simultaneously. The case is crafted from a proprietary alloy, TH-Titanium, which undergoes a thermal process to reveal a unique, light-reactive surface pattern. Each case is visually distinct. With racing green detailing and full movement visibility, this is the Monaco at its most technical.
Meanwhile, the Monaco Chronograph x Gulf leans into the watch’s cinematic legacy.
McQueen’s connection to the model is well known, and this version draws a direct line back to Le Mans. The strap is made from white Nomex—a fire-resistant material used in McQueen’s original racing suit, produced by the same American manufacturer. Combined with Gulf blue and orange accents and a second calfskin strap, this model balances heritage with wearability.
The Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch is the most understated of the three—and arguably the most unexpected. At a time when most brands are chasing ever more complex complications, TAG Heuer has doubled down on its tool-watch roots by reimagining a literal stopwatch.
Inspired by the Heuer timers worn around the necks of motorsport officials in the 1960s and 1970s, it features a bold black, white and red dial built for legibility at a glance. The left-hand crown echoes the original 1969 Monaco layout, while the 39mm DLC-coated titanium case keeps things lightweight and sharp. It’s powered by the Calibre 11 and limited to 970 pieces—a nod to pure function in an era of flair.
These releases come amid a broader shift in visibility for TAG Heuer within Formula 1. Earlier this year, the brand took over from Rolex as Official Timekeeper, securing a ten-year deal and returning to a role it previously held from 1992 to 2003. It’s a strong reaffirmation of the brand’s deep ties to the sport—from the team sponsorships of the 1970s to current partnerships with Red Bull Racing.
Now, rather than issuing a single commemorative edition, TAG Heuer has smartly delivered a trio of Monacos—each tailored to a different kind of fan: the technophile, the cinema devotee, and the vintage purist.
