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TAG Heuer unveils the ultimate Monaco in the ultimate material for the eponymous Grand Prix
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TAG Heuer unveils the ultimate Monaco in the ultimate material for the eponymous Grand Prix

Borna Bošnjak
  • TAG Heuer’s top-of-the-line Monaco Split-Seconds gets a new TH-Titanium case, a titanium material newly developed by the brand.
  • Its other hallmarks match prior releases, with a large top sapphire bezel and crystal combo, and the Vaucher co-developed split-seconds calibre.
  • The watch is being revealed just before this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, and will be priced at CHF 145,000.

Just like Monaco has long been the crown jewel in the F1 calendar, the Monaco Split-Seconds fills that role in TAG Heuer’s catalogue. So, what better time for TAG Heuer to lift the covers off three new, special Monacos than just ahead of this year’s Monaco Grand Prix? Unlike the Gulf and Stopwatch, the new Monaco Split-Seconds is more than just a new colourway, as it ushers in a brand new material that’s been developed in-house by TAG Heuer – TH-Titanium.

tag heuer monaco split seconds th titanium dial 1

As you might expect, TAG Heuer is keeping pretty tight-lipped about this process – TAG Heuer’s press release only notes a “proprietary thermal process” transforming the alloy at an atomic level. I’d be keen to find out whether the brand developed a new forging method, given how well-known titanium forging is for its difficulty and the need for specialised equipment, given its tendency to react with oxygen. In fact, there’s no information on the exact grade of titanium used either. Going off of TAG Heuer stating it’s “typically reserved for aerospace components, turbine elements, and high-performance automotive parts” doesn’t reveal much, but I’d be surprised to see anything other than grade 5 or grade 23.

Regarding the dimensions, the square TH-Titanium case is 41mm wide and 15.2mm thick, with a 47.9mm lug-to-lug. That latter dimension may seem like a compact one, but don’t be fooled – the Monaco Split-Seconds is a big watch, and it wears like it too. It still uses the sapphire sandwich construction, with full-cover pieces of crystal on either side of the case, giving it an impressive dimension especially from the front where the sapphire bezel+crystal combo is faceted.

tag heuer monaco split seconds th titanium dial close up 1

The open dial is expectedly busy, with a sapphire piece used as a mounting surface for the sub-dials, while still allowing a view into the front of the movement. Thankfully, the lime green accents do help with legibility a ton, used for the hour markers and chronograph hands. The main handset is semi-skeletonised and in black gold, with a simple fencepost shape.

tag heuer monaco split seconds th titanium caseback movement 1

While you may have seen a glimpse of the movement dial-side, you really want to take the watch off and look at the TH81-00 through that wide-spanning crystal. Impressively, the movement is also crafted from titanium (grade 5 in this instance), with TAG Heuer noting hand-finishing of the checkered pattern and bevels. The checkerboard pattern is a fun way of decorating a movement without resorting to “traditional” styles, but truth be told, the bevelling gets a bit lost in the muted, monochromatic titanium surfaces, so you really need to look for them closely.

As far as tech specs and complications go, you’d have undoubtedly figured out by now that this is a rattrapante chronograph, co-developed with Vaucher. Knowing who TAG Heuer’s collaborators were, it makes sense for the TH81-00 to also be a 5Hz movement, as high-beat chronographs (rattrapante and otherwise) have been Vaucher’s specialty, finding their way into numerous Parmigiani Fleurier models. With the chrono running, you can expect around 55 hours of power reserve, or get an extra 10 hours with the chronograph off.

TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph TH-Titanium pricing and availability

The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds in TH-Titanium is now available. Price: CHF 145,000

Brand TAG Heuer
Model Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph
Reference Number CBW2185.FC8350
Case Dimensions 41mm (W) x 15.2mm (T) x 47.9mm (LTL)
Case Material TH-Titanium
Water Resistance 30 metres
Crystal(s)
Bevelled, domed sapphire front, sapphire back
Dial Sapphire, open
Strap
Black calfskin, titanium butterfly clasp and TH-Titanium pin buckle
Movement TH81-00, Vaucher collaboration, automatic
Power Reserve 65 hours (chrono off), 55 hours (chrono on)
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds, rattrapante chronograph
Availability Now
Price CHF 145,000