A mere 85 grams. Introducing the new full-skeleton "Monaco" collection

TAG HEUER

A Full-Skeleton Rattrapante Marks the 55th Anniversary

TAG Heuer has unveiled the "Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph" to celebrate the 55th anniversary of its iconic collection. This timepiece blends the unique design and functionality of the traditional collection.

Text by OGASAWARA Nami

Redesigned for Structure and Aesthetics: A Lighter, More Functional Watch Honoring Tradition

Since its debut in 1969, the TAG Heuer Monaco has been a symbol of unconventional design. Ahead of its time with an avant-garde aesthetic, it garnered admiration from luminaries like Steve McQueen, solidifying its status as an icon.

The new "Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph," celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Monaco collection, features a completely redesigned structure. By re-engineering its construction and utilizing lightweight materials such as Grade 5 titanium, it achieves a remarkable lightness of just 85 grams.

Just 85 grams. Introducing the new full-skeleton "Monaco" collection | TAG HEUER

Furthermore, the distinctive appearance is dominated by highly transparent sapphire crystal. The full-skeleton case, crafted from a combination of titanium and sapphire, each forming half of the structure, accentuates its unique character.

The newly announced TH81-00 mechanical split-seconds chronograph caliber is the result of a collaboration between TAG Heuer and Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, renowned globally for its movement manufacturing expertise.

The split-seconds, also known as "rattrapante" in French, is an exceptionally complex and precise mechanism capable of recording multiple intervals that start simultaneously but end separately. This requires highly skilled watchmaking expertise.

TAG Heuer has been developing this function for a century, introducing its first wristwatch split-seconds chronograph in 1989. Throughout the 1990s, it was particularly favored by legendary racers such as Ayrton Senna, Gerhard Berger, and Michael Schumacher.

The latest collection is available in two variations. The dynamic and sporty "Red" is inspired by the DNA of racing sports, while the classic and timeless "Blue" pays homage to the original color of the first Monaco.

The rotor, shaped in TAG Heuer's iconic shield, is satin-finished and hand-painted with a striking red or blue gradient. This is a signature design applied to only a very limited number of TAG Heuer timepieces.

The center bridge features TAG Heuer's checkerboard motif, and while the bevels of the satin-finished balance bridge are polished, the meticulous hand-finishing applied to all these elements underscores a profound attention to detail.

Each model in this collection is engraved with a serial number on its rotor and comes with a hand-stitched calfskin strap featuring a fabric pattern, enhancing its collectibility.

This new release redefines precision while honoring the storied tradition of the chronograph, perfectly embodying TAG Heuer's passion for avant-garde haute horlogerie.