TAG Heuer unveils the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, a remarkable fusion of heritage and innovation. This exceptional timepiece embodies TAG Heuer’s dedication to Haute Horlogerie d’Avant-Garde, pushing the boundaries of watchmaking while staying true to its motorsports legacy.
TAG Heuer’s expertise in split-seconds chronographs stretches back over a century. From early 1900s stopwatches to the groundbreaking Mikrograph (recording 1/100th of a second), the brand has consistently championed this intricate complication. The 1960s saw Heuer stopwatches become a mainstay in motorsport paddocks, with models like the reference 11.402, used by Ferrari’s timekeeper, achieving iconic status. The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph stands as the latest testament to this rich history.
The Monaco collection, introduced in 1969, defied conventions with its audacious square shape and left-crown placement. The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph honors this rebellious spirit while taking design a step further. Utilizing lightweight grade-5 titanium and a unique combination of sapphire crystal and metal, the watch achieves a striking appearance with unmatched weightlessness.
At the core of the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph lies the all-new TH81-00 mechanical split-seconds chronograph caliber, crafted entirely in titanium. This masterpiece of Swiss watchmaking, codeveloped with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, stands as one of TAG Heuer’s lightest automatic chronograph movements ever created. The complex split-seconds function, allowing for the measurement of two separate time intervals simultaneously, offers unparalleled functionality for racing enthusiasts and timing aficionados alike.
The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph comes in two distinct colors: a vibrant red inspired by TAG Heuer’s racing heritage and a timeless blue version reminiscent of the original Monaco. The sapphire crystal caseback offers a mesmerizing view of the intricate TH81-00 caliber within, featuring an oscillating weight designed in the iconic TAG Heuer shield shape. Hand-finished touches like the checkerboard pattern on the bridge and the meticulous brushing and polishing throughout the movement highlight the exceptional craftsmanship that goes into each timepiece.
The sapphire crystal dial, a marvel of both function and aesthetics, showcases the intricate workings beneath while ensuring optimal legibility. The red or blue titanium rattrapante pusher seamlessly integrates with the color scheme, while subtle details like the subdial markings for “Rattrapante” and “Chronograph” serve as a reminder of the watch’s technical prowess.
Each individually numbered Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph comes with a hand-stitched calfskin strap, a perfect complement to this extraordinary timepiece. TAG Heuer, with the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, reaffirms its position at the forefront of Haute Horlogerie d’Avant-Garde. This exquisite watch not only honors the brand’s chronograph legacy but also redefines the meaning of precision in the world of luxury timekeeping.