Being that the prestigious 2025 Monaco Grand Prix F1 race was this past weekend, TAG Heuer timed the launch of its new Monaco chronograph just right.
The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph features TAG Heuer’s slightly larger 41 mm x 15.2 mm square-shaped case, versus the vintage-focused pair of Monacos that they also launched ahead of the big Grand Prix race weekend.
Crafted from a textured TH-Titanium, consisting of grade 5 (alloyed) recrystallized titanium, this Monaco defines avant-garde, and fittingly, this concept-style timepiece has the full “TAG HEUER” shield emblem applied to the dial at 12, versus “HEUER” on the aforementioned pair of retro Monacos. Recrystallized titanium certainly adds cost; however, this premium G-Shock MRG bezel is made of recrystallized titanium for $3K. Notably, the Monaco is Swiss-made, the entire case is made of the material, and the camo-style pattern is even more upscale, however, the price is still astronomical, even if you benchmark it against precious metal.
The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is paired with a sporty black calfskin strap with a textile look and a contrasting neon yellow/lime green two-stitch style thread (or four-stitch in this case) at the lugs.
Driving the hands is TAG Heuer’s advanced automatic caliber TH81-00, which beats at 5Hz with a 65-hour power reserve, and features hours, minutes, seconds, and the marquee split-seconds chronograph aptly made for racing (it can time two events simultaneously). This caliber was used on at least four prior chronographs, however, it’s listed as 5Hz (versus 4Hz), and has a slightly shorter power reserve, so this is essentially a version 2, and considering the 5Hz frequency, TAG Heuer may have borrowed IP from its sister brand, Zenith.
The skeletonized dial features long, gauge-style, needle-shaped split-seconds hands, and a box-type sapphire crystal with no bezel that looks incredible. The neon yellow/lime green split-seconds hand is skeletonized, allowing you to see the white split-seconds hand even if they’re superimposed on top of each other. Big pill pushers complete this super sporty concept-level Monaco timepiece, which is 30 meters water-resistant and weighs just 85 grams.
The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph (Ref. CBW2185.FC8350) is priced at approximately $175,000, which makes no sense for a TAG Heuer, which is LVMH’s entry-level watch brand. Maybe TAG Heuer is going further upscale, or simply hit the highest number on the dartboard. Cool watch, but even with the advanced case and mechanics, the price is indefensible.
Learn more at TAG Heuer.
Photos by TAG Heuer.
