In the world of motorsports, the last weekend in May holds immense significance. Not only does it feature the legendary Indianapolis 500, but on the other side of the Atlantic, Formula One hosts its most prestigious event: the Monaco Grand Prix. For TAG Heuer, a brand deeply rooted in racing, this weekend is also a traditional launching point for new iterations of the TAG Heuer Monaco line. In 2024, the brand builds on the success of last year’s Monaco Skeleton collection with a dark, sporty new colorway while maintaining the thoughtful skeleton design and punchy presentation that made the line a hit with enthusiasts.
A Bold, Modern Case Design
The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph’s 39mm square case design will be familiar to enthusiasts. However, this year, the brand adds a new spin with a fully matte-blasted, blacked-out look. Thanks to its DLC-coated Grade 2 titanium construction, this aggressive, modernist take on the architectural Monaco silhouette is light, balanced, and sporty on the wrist. The usual complement of Monaco visual cues is present, including arcing case side chamfers, short wedge-like lugs, and broad, oblong chronograph pushers. TAG Heuer fits the new Monaco Chronograph with a sapphire display caseback and rates the watch for a respectable 100 meters of water resistance.
Striking Skeleton Dial
TAG Heuer adapts the strongly geometric skeleton layout of 2023’s Monaco Skeleton to a punchy new colorway for the dial. Despite its open, minimal arrangement, the classic Monaco’s character shines through. The circular minutes track, twin square subdials, and the outlines of the linear baton indices are all preserved, along with the familiar broad, faceted pointed baton handset. This bold, futuristic take on the theme remains instantly identifiable as a Monaco. The matte black and metallic navy blue form a strong, masculine base, while the vivid sunny yellow used for the chronograph hands provides a powerful highlight.
Powerful Heuer 02 Movement
Inside this TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph beats the familiar in-house Heuer 02 automatic chronograph movement. The Heuer 02 has become the brand’s go-to powerplant for its upper-echelon chronograph offerings, featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch chronograph actuation system, a 28,800 bph beat rate, and a massive 80-hour power reserve. TAG Heuer takes a crisp, sporty approach to the Heuer 02’s finishing, with Côtes de Genève for the bridges, a bright yellow column wheel, and a black-coated skeleton rotor in the shape of the brand’s shield emblem. The watch is completed with a rubber-lined, fabric-effect leather strap in sporty navy blue.
A Stylish Companion for the Monaco Grand Prix
The last weekend in May is an annual highlight in the world of racing and a significant milestone on TAG Heuer’s release schedule. This year’s TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph remixes many elements from existing, popular Monaco designs into a darker, splashier package. The result is a stylish and charismatic companion that captures the modern spirit of the Monaco Grand Prix. The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph is available now through authorized dealers, with an MSRP of 11,000 CHF as of press time.