Introducing: The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1
TAG Heuer is a name familiar to many of my fellow Australians. It’s a popular brand down under. Even so, it’s one from which I have never owned a watch except for an original quartz Formula 1 from the 1980s. This needs to change someday, but today’s article features a watch I could never hope to own, even if it is very cool! Meet the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1, a watch well out of my price range but undeniably impressive.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1
First, let’s get the specifications out of the way. The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 is powered by the automatic caliber TH81-00. It operates at a high-beat 36,000vph frequency and offers a generous power reserve of 65 hours. This drops down to 55 hours when the chronograph is in use. The oscillating weight is fashioned into the TAG Heuer shield and features a kerb-inspired decoration, both of which are nice touches.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 has a 41mm white ceramic case with a mixture of sandblasted, high-polished, and brushed textures. Topping it is a beveled and domed sapphire crystal, which adds greatly to the general translucent effect of the watch. Another element contributing to this is the red-tinted translucent dial, providing a view of the impressive caliber underneath. As we can see in the image below, the movement has 52 jewels, a column wheel, and beautiful brushed and checkered-flag finishes.
Ceramic and 3D pop
White ceramic sandblasted bridges are visible through the dial, adding to that 3D pop. The use of a split-seconds function in this watch makes sense. The complication is genuinely useful for comparing lap times in motorsports, and the Monoaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 celebrates TAG Heuer’s rich motorsport history.
The water resistance is only rated to 30 meters, but I don’t imagine anyone taking this CHF 155,000 watch underwater. I think I would not even be game for that! This Monaco measures a relatively compact 47.9mm from lug to lug, owing to the square nature of the case. The watch is also 15.2mm thick, so it’s not massively chunky considering the movement tech housed within. The entirely sapphire case back affords a clear view of the movement.
Playful details
Clearly, the people at TAG Heuer are having some serious fun with this watch as the sub-dials have the text “LIGHTS OUT” and “& AWAY WE GO” printed on them. This is a reference to a catchphrase used by Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft to signify the start of a Formula 1 race. The chronograph counters show inspiration from racetrack design, featuring an “asphalt-like finish” and white and yellow starting-grid positions.
It’s great to see brands have fun like this. TAG Heuer says the hand-finished ceramic case was used without an inner metallic container or holder for the caliber, which is a technical feat. I quite like the overall skeletonized appearance of this watch, though I realize it may not be for everyone.
Concluding thoughts
The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 is a technically impressive watch. It’s also one that I will never get to own or probably even handle. But that isn’t to say I can’t appreciate it from a distance. Seeing a brand have some fun is usually good, even if the price category is unobtanium! This TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 is limited to just 10 pieces worldwide and will be available in the last quarter of 2025.
The Monaco is an iconic design, and it’s great to see TAG Heuer continuing to provide different takes on the watch’s core DNA. But what do you think, Fratelli? Is this something you can appreciate, or is it a little too brash or bold? Let me know in the comments.
