TAG Heuer, the renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker synonymous with precision and avant-garde design, proudly introduces the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in both red and blue editions. These remarkable timepieces represent a noteworthy achievement in marrying tradition and innovation in the world of haute horlogerie d’avant-garde.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is nothing short of a horological masterpiece, destined to captivate connoisseurs, collectors, and watch enthusiasts with its spectacular movement and stunning design.
“TAG Heuer has always been committed to pushing the boundaries of timekeeping, and with the introduction of the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, we are not only embracing our rich heritage but also redefining the future of haute horlogerie d’avant-garde. This timepiece is the epitome of precision and innovation, a perfect fusion of tradition and cutting-edge technology, showcasing our expertise in watchmaking craftsmanship,” said Julien Tornare, CEO of TAG Heuer.
A century of excellence
The rich legacy of TAG Heuer’s split-seconds chronograph watches dates back over a century.
From the early 1900s, the maison has dedicated itself to mastering this significant horological complication, evident in various references of stopwatches and dashboard timers. Notably, the Mikrograph introduced in 1916 marked a pivotal moment in TAG Heuer’s history, becoming the preferred timekeeping device at the Olympic Games in the 1920s and 1930s by recording 1/100th of a second. This pioneering spirit continued with the Microsplit, a chronograph also accurate to 1/100th of a second but with the addition of the split-seconds function.
In the 1960s, Heuer stopwatches became a staple in motorsport paddocks, like the memorable reference 11.402 that featured a split-seconds chronograph capable of measuring time with 1/10th of a second accuracy. Used by Jean Campiche, a Heuer timekeeper working with Scuderia Ferrari, this model became iconic. In 1989, TAG Heuer introduced a quartz split-seconds chronograph wristwatch, gaining immense popularity, especially among racing legends like Ayrton Senna, Gerhard Berger, and Michael Schumacher throughout the 1990s.
And now, in 2024, TAG Heuer unveils the latest addition to this prestigious lineage, a symbol of precise timekeeping: the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph.
Redefining design
Since its inception in 1969, the TAG Heuer Monaco has been a symbol of contrarian design. With its distinctive square shape, left crown, brushed and polished case, and blue dial, the Monaco shattered conventions in the watchmaking world. Notably, it became the first water-resistant square chronograph wristwatch, further solidifying its status as an icon. Ahead of its time with its avant-garde aesthetics, it found admiration among creative visionaries like Sammy Davis Jr., Stanley Kubrick, and Steve McQueen.
Celebrating 55 years of the Monaco collection, the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph further redefines watch design. By reviewing its architecture and using light materials such as grade-5 titanium, the timepiece only weighs a mere 85 grams and achieves a singular appearance where sapphire crystal and transparency play a central role. Fusing titanium and sapphire together, the timepiece impresses with its case crafted from a combination of half of each, enhancing its uniqueness.
Catching up on time
At the heart of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is the newly launched TH81-00 mechanical split-seconds chronograph caliber. Crafted entirely in titanium, it is one of the lightest automatic chronograph movements ever created by TAG Heuer, in partnership with the esteemed manufacturer Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier.
The result is a masterpiece that combines Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This split-seconds function, also called “rattrapante” in French, is a highly sophisticated and intricate mechanism that requires the most expert of watchmakers due to its complexity. It is capable of measuring two separate time intervals concurrently, providing a level of functionality that exceeds that of a regular chronograph. Whether timing laps on the racetrack or tracking multiple sporting events, the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph offers unparalleled accuracy and versatility in its usage.
Crafting the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph and the TH81-00 mechanical split-seconds chronograph caliber was a journey into the heart of watchmaking innovation. Meticulously designed and executed, this movement is the pinnacle of our dedication to pushing the boundaries of precision and complexity, delivering a unique and sophisticated timekeeping experience. “Every component of the watch reflects our passion for horological artistry,” said Carole Forestier-Kasapi, TAG Heuer’s movements director.
The newest inclusion in the collection presents itself in two distinct color options: a dynamic and sporty red variation inspired by the racing DNA of the maison, and a classic, timeless blue version, paying homage to the original color code of the Monaco.
The caseback, a portal to the soul of the watch, is crafted entirely from sapphire crystal, offering an unobstructed view of the intricate TH81-00 caliber within, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. The transparent caseback is ingeniously designed to give the impression of a floating oscillating weight, emphasizing the watch’s sophisticated architecture.
The oscillating weight is fashioned in the iconic TAG Heuer shield shape and features a brushed finish as well as a hand-painted powerful red or blue gradient, a TAG Heuer design signature reserved for its most exclusive timepieces.
The checkerboard pattern, a TAG Heuer signature, on the center bridge and the fine brushed balance wheel bridge with its polished bevels are all hand-made and demonstrate the maison’s dedication to top-tier finishing. Sandblasted surfaces and polished screws further accentuate the expert craftsmanship that went into the movement finishes.
The dial, also crafted from sapphire crystal, is not to be overlooked, marrying functionality with aesthetics. This transparent canvas not only showcases the delicate workings beneath but also ensures absolute legibility for accurate timekeeping.
The red Monaco’s dial arches are executed with fine brushing and black DLC-coating, a nod to the finishing of the watch’s lightweight titanium case. The titanium-cased blue variant showcases gradient blue dial arches, transitioning from a light blue hue at the top to a richer royal blue at the bottom, giving the watch a sense of animation and movement even while static. This intricate color gradient is achieved through a delicate anodizing process. This precise technique necessitates the application of varying voltages at different stages of the treatment — a sophisticated method perfected for each timepiece.
The red or blue titanium rattrapante pusher at 9 o’clock matches the color of the rattrapante hand and highlights its split-seconds function, adding a dash of color to the ensemble. The small second subdial at 6 o’clock echoes the arches’ shape, while the words “Rattrapante” and “Chronograph” on the subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock are a subtle reminder of the watch’s technical feats.
Each individually numbered on the oscillating weight, these timepieces are accompanied by a hand-stitched calfskin strap with a fabric pattern.
TAG Heuer pushes once again the boundaries of timekeeping with the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, through watchmaking craftsmanship and avant-garde innovation. Redefining the meaning of precision, this timepiece pays homage to the maison’s storied chronograph legacy and perfectly exemplifies TAG Heuer’s haute horlogerie d’avant-garde.
For more information, please visit TAGHeuer.com.
