This weekend marks round 8 in the 2024 Formula 1 calendar with the prestigious Monaco GP, and in keeping with recent tradition, TAG Heuer has brought a new Monaco Chronograph to mark the occasion. This has become a yearly practice for the brand capitalizing on their watch so named for the principality along the coast of the Mediterranean sea, and has resulted in some pretty cool references thus far (the titanium example from 2021 in particular, if you ask me). This year, we’re getting a black and dark blue themed colorway with an openworked dial showcasing parts of the Heuer 02 caliber underneath.
TAG Heuer is releasing the watch as the weekend begins, prior to a pair of free practice sessions on Friday. When it comes to the Monaco GP, it’s generally the earlier days of the weekend that provide the most drama, culminating in Qualifying on Saturday (if this year is anything like last year, we’re in for a treat there). TAG Heuer’s partner here is the Red Bull Racing team, helmed by 3x WDC Max Verstappen, who is also serving as wrist model for this new watch. The colorway picks up some of the beats of the car, but I wouldn’t outright call it a match. This new Monaco brings its own distinct flavor to the table.
The newest member of the Monaco collection gets a black DLC titanium case that measures 39mm wide (and about 39mm tall) with a beveled and domed square sapphire set at its center. This gives way to a view of the dark blue sandblasted dial plate that opens up to reveal bits of the baseplate of the Heuer 02 chronograph movement within. The totalizers sit at opposite sides to retain symmetry, with a running seconds hand running free of any kind of sub dial at the bottom of the dial. Yellow accents are used for the timing elements and pop off the dark blue nicely.
That yellow continues on the backside of the watch, with the visible column wheel rendered in the color, along with the writing on the black oscillating weight. The Heuer 02 movement is used extensively within the Carrera collection, and while it is still relatively new, has roots in the controversial caliber 1887, caliber 1969, and successive CH80. It’s not the most refined movement you’re likely to come across, with a slightly loud rotor, and it’s not exactly thin (this Monaco clocks in at 15.2mm thick), but it is the de facto chronograph movement at use for the brand.
The look put forth here is quite contemporary, even though the package is based in a nearly 70 year old design. The open dial Monaco is somewhat polarizing, but it’s a theme they’ve been running with in recent years so it’s clear that it resonates with at least a portion of the market. This reference will join the collection as a regular production piece, and will be priced at $11,250. TAG Heuer
