SpotlightIntroducing The TAG Heuer Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph And Other Novelties

Among the TAG Heuer novelties showcased at Watches and Wonders in Geneva this week, the Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph stands out for being the first time the brand include the rattrapante function in a Monaco case. This also marks 55 years of the iconic square shaped Monaco collection. Technically, the Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph created for the Only Watch auction in 2023 was the first, but since that was an extremely limited one-piece edition, we’re not really counting it. Now, the rattrapante joins the brand’s core Monaco collection with the latest versions of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph in ‘timeless blue’ and ‘sporty red’.

TAG Heuer Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph

A 41mm square case in titanium frames the TAG Heuer Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph, with a DLC treatment for the red timepiece, while the blue one features sandblasted and polished finishes. At three on the case is the crown, flanked by chronograph pushers at two and four o’clock. On the left of the case is the split seconds chronograph pusher at nine, protected by crown guards. An exhibition caseback reveals the new TH81-00 calibre housed within, with a power reserve of 65 hours without the chronograph, or 55 hours with the chronograph running.

The partially skeletonised dial features bridges in a gradient blue, or black for the red timepiece. Two chronograph recorders at nine and three o’clock are treated in black, and an asymmetrical small seconds sub-dial at six features a silvered outline. Super-LumiNova-filled indexes and hands enhance legibility in the dark. The main feature is the lacquered red or blue rattrapante hand that stands out distinctly against the grey central chronograph hand. With this timepiece in two colourways joining the line-up, the TAG Heuer Monaco collection gets a definite boost.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

The year 2023 marked 60 years of the Carrera collection, and many of the brand’s new releases—most of them revisited icons—paid homage to visionary Jack Heuer, the brand founder’s grandson. The latest TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph in a panda dial is also a tribute of sorts to the origins of the racing-inspired collection. The late 1960s timepiece, the 7753 SN, was the inspiration for the new Carrera Chronograph with a ‘panda’ dial and the latest ‘glassbox’ design.

The whole point of a panda dial, as far as Jack Heuer was concerned, was legibility. This latest Carrera Chronograph takes legibility just as seriously, with two black chronograph recorders against a silver sunray-brushed dial and black flange marked with a tachymeter scale in white. A red-tipped central chronograph hand and red hands on the two sub-dials aid easy reading of the chronograph complication, powered by the TH20-00 calibre. The watch is mounted on a steel bracelet that highlights the dual-coloured dial.

TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper Chronograph

The TAG Heuer Skipper chronograph, revived last year, now comes in a 39mm 5N rose gold case that considerably enhances the luxurious appeal of the timepiece, beautifully framing the deep blue circular brushed dial. A 12-hour chronograph recorder in teal at nine o’clock, and a tri-coloured regatta countdown timer at three o’clock are inspired by the original Skipper chronograph. An almost-invisible small seconds sub-dial at six houses the running seconds. While this dial against steel was beautiful, paired with the rose gold of the case and matching highlights on the dial is that much more striking. The watch is powered by the TH20-06 calibre, and comes with a deep blue fabric strap.

The TAG Heuer Skipper chronograph, revived last year, now comes in a 39mm 5N rose gold case that considerably enhances the luxurious appeal of the timepiece, beautifully framing the deep blue circular brushed dial

TAG Heuer Carrera Date 36mm

Three new references in 36mm grace the TAG Heuer Carrera Date collection. In mother-of-pearl dials or a copper sun-brushed dial, two of the 36mm steel timepieces feature a 5N rose gold bezel and connecting links on the H-shaped bracelet. The flange on both mother-of-pearl dials are set with 76 diamonds with rose gold hands. Indexes are either in rose gold for the all-steel watch or diamonds set on rose gold for the dual-toned timepiece. A gradient copper-bushed dial graces the other two-toned timepiece, with rose gold indexes. The watches feature a date window at six o’clock. All three watches are powered by the Heuer calibre 7, which offers a 55-hour power reserve.

Three new references in 36mm grace the TAG Heuer Carrera Date collection. In mother-of-pearl dials or a copper sunray brushed dial, two of the 36mm steel timepieces feature a 5N rose gold bezel and connecting links on the H-shaped bracelet

TAG Heuer’s latest releases showcased at Watches and Wonders, Geneva, go to show how much the brand rely on their history. And yet, the use of materials such as titanium for the Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph is proof that TAG Heuer have their eye on the ball—and the future.