TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph

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TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph

Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph
News

TAG Heuer reignites its Haute Horlogerie d’Avant-Garde
La Cote des Montres - April 11th, 2024

 
 
TAG Heuer breaks the boundaries of time with the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, a fusion of heritage and innovation.

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 craftmanship 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 whilst 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 craftmanship 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.


About
TAG Heuer
 

“Don’t Crack Under Pressure”  
 

FTAG Heuer, founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland, is a luxury watch brand that is part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (“LVMH”), the world’s leading luxury group. Based in La Chaux- de-Fonds, Switzerland, and with four production sites, TAG Heuer has 1,900 employees and is active in 139 countries. TAG Heuer products are available online at TAG Heuer for select countries and in 260 boutiques and 2,300 points of sale worldwide. The company is headed up by Julien Tornare, CEO of TAG Heuer.

For 164 years, TAG Heuer has demonstrated pure avant-garde watchmaking spirit and a commitment to innovation with revolutionary technologies that have included the oscillating pinion for mechanical stopwatches in 1887, the Mikrograph in 1916, the first automatic-winding chronograph movement – Calibre 11 – in 1969, and the first luxury smartwatch in 2015. Today, the brand’s core collection consists of three iconic families designed by Jack Heuer – TAG Heuer Carrera, Monaco, and Autavia – and is rounded out with the contemporary TAG Heuer Link, Aquaracer, Formula 1, and Connected lines.

mbodying TAG Heuer’s motto, “Don’t Crack Under Pressure,” are prominent partnerships and brand ambassadors that express the brand’s passion for action and high performance.

TAG Heuer
Monaco
Split-Seconds Chronograph

Technical description

 
Reference :CBW2181.FC8322
Movement :Calibre TH81-00
Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph
Frequency :5 Hertz (36,000 VPH)
Power reserve :65 hours (chrono off)
55 hours (chrono on)
Functions :Hours, minutes, seconds
Chronograph
Split-seconds function
Dial :Sapphire crystal
Arches :Black DLC fine brushed, sandblasted and polished titanium
3 counters:
  • 3 o’clock: black opalin minute chronograph counter
    Red lacquered hand
  • 6 o’clock: silver fine brushed and sandblasted permanent second indicator
    Rhodium-plated polished hand
  • 9 o’clock: black opalin hour chronograph counter
    Red lacquered hand
White Super-LumiNova® applied indexes
Rhodium-plated polished skeletonized hour and minute hands with white Super-LumiNova®
Rhodium-plated brushed central chronograph hand
Red-lacquered skeletonized central split-seconds hand
Polished TAG HEUER applied logo
Engraved MONACO
Printed RATTRAPANTE CHRONOGRAPH
Case :Black DLC fine brushed, sandblasted and polished titanium
Diameter :41 mm
Bezel :Polished sapphire fixed
Glass :Beveled, domed sapphire crystal
Crown :Black DLC titanium crown at 3 o’clock with red-lacquered TAG Heuer shield
Black DLC fine brushed, polished titanium shaped chronograph push-button at 2 o’clock
Black DLC fine brushed, polished titanium shaped chronograph push-button at 4 o’clock
Black DLC fine brushed, polished titanium shaped split-seconds push-button at 9 o’clock
Black DLC fine brushed, polished titanium push-button protectors at 8 and 10 o’clock
Caseback :Beveled, polished sapphire crystal
Water resistance :30 meters
Bracelet :Hand-stitched red calfskin strap embossed with a fabric pattern
Lug-to-lug :47.9 mm
Thickness :15.2 mm
Clasp :Fine-brushed titanium butterfly folding clasp with black DLC pin buckle, safety push-buttons, and fine adjustment link
Prices :136,000 EUR • 135,000 CHF
166,000 EUR • 165,000 CHF with customization
Availability :June 2024
 
 

TAG Heuer
Monaco
Split-Seconds Chronograph

Technical description

 
Reference :CBW2182.FC8339
Movement :Calibre TH81-00
Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph
Frequency :5 Hertz (36,000 VPH)
Power reserve :65 hours (chrono off)
55 hours (chrono on)
Functions :Hours, minutes, seconds
Chronograph
Split-seconds function
Dial :Sapphire crystal
Arches :Gradient blue fine brushed, sandblasted and polished titanium
3 counters:
  • 3 o’clock: white opalin minute chronograph counter
    Blue lacquered hand
  • 6 o’clock: silver fine brushed and sandblasted permanent second indicator
    Rhodium-plated polished hand
  • 9 o’clock: white opalin hour chronograph counter
    Blue lacquered hand
White Super-LumiNova® applied indexes
Rhodium-plated polished skeletonized hour and minute hands with white Super-LumiNova®
Rhodium-plated brushed central chronograph hand
Gradient blue skeletonized central split-seconds hand
Polished TAG HEUER applied logo
Engraved MONACO
Printed RATTRAPANTE CHRONOGRAPH
Case :Fine brushed, sandblasted and polished titanium
Diameter :41 mm
Bezel :Polished sapphire fixed
Glass :Beveled, domed sapphire crystal
Crown :Titanium crown at 3 o’clock with blue-lacquered TAG Heuer shield
Fine brushed, polished titanium shaped chronograph push-button at 2 o’clock
Black DLC fine brushed, polished titanium shaped chronograph push-button at 4 o’clock
Fine brushed, polished titanium shaped split-seconds push-button at 9 o’clock
Fine brushed, polished titanium push-button protectors at 8 and 10 o’clock
Caseback :Beveled, polished sapphire crystal
Water resistance :30 meters
Bracelet :Hand-stitched blue calfskin strap embossed with a fabric pattern
Lug-to-lug :47.9 mm
Thickness :15.2 mm
Clasp :Fine-brushed titanium butterfly folding clasp with black DLC pin buckle, safety push-buttons, and fine adjustment link
Prices :136,000 EUR • 135,000 CHF
166,000 EUR • 165,000 CHF with customization
Availability :June 2024
 
 
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