Having become something of a tradition, TAG Heuer debuts a new Monaco chronograph just in time for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. Following last year’s edition in shades of grey, the 2024 edition is the Monaco Chronograph Racing Green. Equipped with the Sellita-derived Calibre 11, the new Monaco features chronograph registers in a dark green synonymous with motorsport, set against a clean silver dial.

Initial thoughts

Arguably TAG Heuer’s iconic chronograph, especially after Steve McQueen wore one in Le Mans, the Monaco gets new livery that embodies its racing heritage. The tricolour dial in green, silver, and yellow is dressed in classic motorsports colours. The titanium case is also a nice touch, instead of conventional steel.

However, this Monaco is powered by the Sellita-derived and modular Calibre 11, instead of the in-house Heuer 02 that was found in last year’s equivalent Formula 1 edition. The rationale for the Calibre 11 is a logical one: it allows for an unorthodox nine o’clock crown that replicates the layout of the vintage Monaco, whereas the in-house calibre necessitates a conventional three o’clock position.

But the new Monaco still costs CHF9,100, which is less than the models with the Heuer 02 but not that much less. As a result, it’s not as good a value proposition as its counterparts with the in-house calibre, though it is an appealing execution in terms of colours and materials.

An old-school design

The familiar square Monaco case is in sandblasted titanium and retains its traditional dimensions of 39 mm wide and 14.35 mm thick. Like the original 1969 model, this sports a crown at nine o’clock.

TAG Heuer ambassador and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen with the new Monaco

Modelled closely on the vintage original, the silver, sun ray-brushed dial is meant to evoke the engine-turned dashboards in 1920s sports cars.

Sorting twin registers in racing green, the dial features horizontal baton indices, a key feature of the vintage original. The faceted, vertical baton at 12 is painted with a yellow “racing” stripe that matches the yellow chronograph seconds hand. Furthermore, the dial bears the historical “Heuer” logo, instead of the modern TAG Heuer emblem.

Inside is the Calibre 11, which is a Sellita SW300-1 with a chronograph module from Dubois-Depraz. It beats at 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz) and has 40 hours of power reserve.

Because of the modular construction, the crown can be located at the nine o’clock position, while still retaining the pushers on the right side of the case. This preserves the unusual configuration of the vintage Monaco, which was dictated by the vintage Calibre 11 Chronomatic, one of the first-ever automatic chronograph movements.

Key facts and price

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green
Ref.CAW218E.FC6565

Diameter: 39 mm
Height: 14.35 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Calibre 11
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 40 hours

Strap: Calfskin with folding clasp

Limited edition: 1000 pieces
Availability: At TAG Heuer boutiques, retailers and on Tagheuer.com starting September 2024
Price: CHF9,100

For more, visit Tagheuer.com.