Hands-On With The Latest Vibrant TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph

This weekend, Max Verstappen will vie for victory in the Formula 1 World Championship in Las Vegas. The Dutchman won his first F1 title in 2021 and could now win his fourth consecutive title to become the sixth driver to achieve that milestone. As most of you know, TAG Heuer is a proud partner of the Red Bull Racing team. Coinciding with Verstappen’s opportunity to win the title, the brand releases the latest version of the Monaco Chronograph. The colorful Las Vegas skyline at night inspired the watch’s look. It features a stealthy black aesthetic brightened up by vibrant pink elements. It’s a watch that will surely light up the race in Las Vegas, regardless of whether Verstappen takes home the title.

Not too long ago, I had a chance to check out the titanium TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green. I was pleasantly surprised by the combination of its looks and wearability. It drastically altered the way I thought about the TAG Heuer Monaco. What I generally characterized as an iconic but hard-to-wear timepiece changed overnight. The combination of the nicely sized lightweight titanium case with the stylish vintage-inspired looks made for one of the nicest and most surprising hands-on experiences this year. With that watch, we also had a chance to check out this new radiant black and pink version of the Monaco Chronograph.

The story of the black and pink TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph

Contrary to the Racing Green version, this new model represents a different side of the TAG Heuer Monaco. Not only is the colorful aesthetic completely different, but the watch also features an open-worked dial that reveals its inner workings. The designers also included pink elements that liven up the watch significantly. This standout aesthetic was inspired by the Las Vegas skyline at night. The pink elements represent the bright neon lights of the city, while the black case and open-worked dial serve as the nighttime canvas.

A glance might also remind you of the famous Monaco “Dark Lord” that the brand brought back in a ceramic version in 2022. While the black case, dial, and strap set the stage for both watches, you’ll find the details differ greatly upon closer inspection. Right off the bat, I think this combination of bright pink and black looks cool. While it’s not a combination I would pick for a watch, it makes for a fresh-looking Monaco that stands out immediately.

The details of the black and pink TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph

Let’s go over the watch’s specs and features. First, it has a black DLC-coated Grade 2 titanium case measuring 39mm in diameter, 15.5mm thick, and 47.4mm from lug to lug. This model is slightly chunkier than the 14.35mm-thick Racing Green version. The case features a fully sandblasted finish for a nice matte overall look to maximize the stealthy feel.

The case is water resistant to 100 meters and dons a beveled, domed sapphire crystal on top. I love the crystal’s dramatic presence. It’s a signature element that perfectly complements the case shape and creates a stunning profile view.

The crystal protects the black sandblasted dial, which features three counters. You might not notice that at first, though. That’s because the first two for the chronograph are bright pink, whereas the third for the running seconds is merely a small hand. The minute totalizer at 3 o’clock and the hour counter at 9 o’clock have black centers with white numerals and bright pink opaline edges that hold the white markers. At 6 o’clock, you will find the small black-gold-plated hand indicating the running seconds. Located right below the small hand is the date indicator.

The black open-worked dial with pink details

Due to the open-worked dial, you can see large parts of the date wheel. Thankfully, a small pink indicator and white background help to highlight the actual date. The date wheel rotates underneath the black chapter ring that holds the minute track. Around the dial and inside the chapter ring, we find black hour markers filled with pink Super-LumiNova that glows blue in the dark. Lastly, sitting at 12 o’clock is the Monaco word mark and an applied rhodium-plated TAG Heuer logo.

Hovering above the dial are the faceted black-gold-plated hour and minute hands. Each has a filling of white Super-LumiNova that, like the indexes, lights up blue in the dark. Completing the handset is the pink-lacquered central chronograph hand. All in all, a lot is happening on the dial. But thanks to the highly contrasting pink elements, you won’t have trouble reading it. The date is a bit more of a challenge as the date ring lies deeper in the case and is not pink. At least TAG Heuer created a bit of contrast by using a white background.

Powered by an in-house chronograph movement

Inside the titanium case, you will find the in-house TH20-00 caliber. This automatic chronograph movement operates at 28,800vph and offers 80 hours of power reserve. It features a quick-set date, a blacked-out rotor with pink text, and a bright pink column wheel that suits the watch’s overall aesthetic nicely. The movement displays neat finishing, and the customized rotor and column wheel are nice details.

Wearing the black and pink TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that the watch pops once on the wrist. Thanks to the lightweight titanium case and relatively modest proportions, it is easy to wear. But compared to the Racing Green version, it is a different beast. The overall black aesthetic might seem stealthy, but that’s only true if you wear it with something black.

If not, the black exterior alone provides quite a contrast. Add the bright pink details, and it will be hard to miss this Las Vegas-inspired timepiece. The aesthetic is a simple “yes!” or “not for me.” There is hardly anything in between.

The watch comes equipped with an embossed black calfskin and rubber strap and a sandblasted black DLC-treated Grade 2 titanium folding clasp with push buttons and a TAG Heuer shield. The strap is super comfortable and balances the watch nicely on the wrist. What I loved was the clean action of the chronograph. The pushers feel solid and well made, and they start, stop, and reset the chronograph with firm clicks. The same level of quality is apparent in the crown. It is an absolute joy to turn, and you can set the time perfectly as there is zero play between the crown and the hands.

Final thoughts on the black and pink TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph

I enjoyed spending time with this extravagant modern version of the Monaco. Having it in the office at the same time as the Racing Green version gave me a great opportunity to check them out side by side. If you prefer the traditional style of the TAG Heuer Monaco in the context of classic racing, the Racing Green version perfectly hits the mark. This new black and pink version is the far more modern and bold option that suits current-day Formula 1 nicely. While I might be a fan of the former, it works in TAG Heuer’s favor that it has been able to transform the classic Monaco to appeal to an audience who favors something more modern while still fitting the racing context.

Both watches are unmistakably Monaco variations, and both approaches to the design work very well. It is predominantly a matter of which one you prefer stylistically. As for the difference between the Sellita-based Calibre 11 that powers the Racing Green and the in-house TH20-00 that powers this watch, the latter would get my vote.

While the sub-seconds display on most TH20-00-powered models feels like an afterthought, on this version, it hardly stands out, making it less of a visual question mark. But while that makes a big difference for me, I’m sure most people who will buy this black and pink version will do so because of its color and style. This new black and pink Monaco Chronograph is not a limited edition, and it will cost CHF 11,000. What you get in return will certainly turn some heads.

Please let us know what you think about the new black and bright pink TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph in the comments section below.