In a sport defined by milliseconds and engineered perfection, TAG Heuer proudly announced its triumphant return as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1® at the beginning of the year. To mark this historic partnership, TAG Heuer introduces an exclusive take on one of its most complex timepieces: the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1®. This extraordinary creation celebrates the pinnacle of motorsport precision and the enduring spirit of innovation that has defined TAG Heuer’s legacy for over 160 years.
When Avant-Garde Design Meets Split-Seconds Precision
Since its debut in 1969, the TAG Heuer Monaco has stood as a symbol of audacity and avant-garde design. Defying conventional watchmaking norms, the TAG Heuer Monaco was the first automatic and water-resistant square chronograph wristwatch, featuring the famous Calibre 11, innovations that immediately set it apart. With its distinctive square case, signature blue dial, and left-sided crown, the TAG Heuer Monaco became a staple of cutting-edge style and technical prowess.
The TAG Heuer Monaco also holds a special place in pop culture, famously worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans. Its association with motorsport legends and creative visionaries like Sammy Davis Jr. and Stanley Kubrick has only strengthened its status as a timepiece synonymous with rebellious style and innovation.
Building upon its expertise in chronograph movements, TAG Heuer is now introducing the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1®. This timepiece revives a complication deeply rooted in TAG Heuer’s history of precision timekeeping, as the Maison has been mastering this highly complex chronograph function for over a century. In 1916, TAG Heuer introduced the Mikrosplit, a stopwatch capable of simultaneously measuring separate time intervals down to the 1/100th of a second. This early achievement laid the groundwork for a series of other timekeeping instruments—from stopwatches used at the Olympic Games in the early 20th century to dashboard timers that found their place in the high-octane environment of motorsport.
In the 1960s, the Heuer split-seconds stopwatch reference 11.402 became the trusted tool in racing pits, assisting teams like Scuderia Ferrari with timing that made the difference in critical moments. Later, in the 1990s, the Maison’s quartz split-seconds chronographs gained widespread appeal among racing legends, including Ayrton Senna, Gerhard Berger, and Michael Schumacher.
A Deep-Rooted Connection with Formula 1®
TAG Heuer’s involvement with Formula 1® is as historic as the sport itself. The partnership began in 1969 - the same year the TAG Heuer Monaco was launched - with the brand’s pioneering decision to adorn a Formula 1® car with its logo - a move that reshaped the landscape of sports sponsorship. By 1971, TAG Heuer had moved from branding to actively supporting racing teams, setting the stage for decades of involvement with motorsport’s most celebrated names.
Through collaborations with teams such as Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren during the 1970s and 1980s, TAG Heuer became an integral part of race-day operations. Accurate timekeeping proved essential to the strategies that led drivers like Jochen Rindt, Niki Lauda, and Ayrton Senna to achieve their legendary status. In 1992, the role of Official Timekeeper elevated the brand’s status, intertwining its technological capabilities with the sport’s critical timing and scoring systems.
Now, as Formula 1® celebrates its 75th anniversary, TAG Heuer marks its return as Official Timekeeper – reaffirming its deep- rooted connection to the sport and its legacy of excellence in precision timekeeping. In a historic first, the brand also becomes the title partner of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, further strengthening its ties to one of motorsport’s most iconic races.
The Heart of Precision
At the core of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1® beats the automatic split- seconds chronograph Calibre TH81-00. This movement stands as one of the lightest, yet most advanced chronograph calibers ever made by TAG Heuer. The split-seconds function, or “Rattrapante” in French, is renowned for its complexity. This ingenious mechanism allows for the simultaneous measurement of two separate time intervals, perfect for tracking multiple racing laps or concurrent sporting events.
Every detail of the Calibre TH81-00 represents Swiss craftsmanship, from the hand-finished bevels to the black mirror-polished screws. The oscillating weight is fashioned in the iconic TAG Heuer shield shape and features a brushed finish as well as a hand-painted white and red kerb-inspired design. A TAG Heuer signature, the checkered-flag pattern on the various bridges along with their polished bevels are entirely handmade and demonstrate the Maison’s dedication to top-tier finishing.
From Core to Case, a Testament to Craftsmanship
A bold take on the original from 1969, the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | F1® is a marvel of modern watchmaking. Made of cutting-edge materials such as white ceramic and sapphire crystal, the case offers optimized ergonomics and comfort without compromising durability.
Ceramic is notoriously challenging to work with. Yet, TAG Heuer has mastered this delicate material, crafting a case without an inner metallic container for the movement - a feat of engineering and technical brilliance. Unlike molded ceramic cases, each piece is precisely machined to obtain sharp finishes and superior refinement. In addition, every angle, curve, and surface of the case is entirely finished by hand, ensuring unmatched quality. This expertise can also be found in the case itself, with the two arches underneath the dial also crafted in white ceramic.
Featuring a balanced composition of ceramic and sapphire, the case blends performance with elegance. The extensive use of sapphire crystal creates a seamless fusion between the case and the caliber. Notably, the caseback, a portal to the soul of the watch, is crafted from a single piece of sapphire crystal, offering unobstructed views of the intricate Calibre TH81-00 within, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.
Formula 1® on the Wrist
Inspired by the signature colors and dynamic spirit of Formula 1®, the sleek white ceramic case, crown, and pushers mirror the aerodynamic lines of a high-performance racing car, representing both precision and performance. Every detail evokes the craftsmanship and technical perfection synonymous with Formula 1® engineering.
A vibrant, red-tinted translucent dial captures the sheer adrenaline of race day. The chronograph counters are inspired by racetrack design, featuring an asphalt-like finish, white and yellow starting grid positions and the official F1 typography — an authentic nod to the sport’s visual language and competitive spirit. The counters also feature the phrase made famous by British commentator David Croft: “LIGHTS OUT & AWAY WE GO.” This legendary declaration captures the electric anticipation of every Grand Prix start, making it an integral part of the timepiece’s identity.
Further deepening the connection to Formula 1®, a discreet signature appears at 6 o’clock on the minute track with the Formula 1® logo. Adding a final touch of racing DNA, the green and red TAG Heuer shield at 12 o’clock has been lacquered by hand, echoing the one on the crown.
This exclusive timepiece is equipped with a white calfskin strap embossed with a textile pattern and features a double-deployant clasp in grade-5 titanium with an easy-adjustment link. Presented in a specially designed wood lacquered box inspired by the signature colors of Formula 1®, the packaging features white and red hues, perfectly complementing the timepiece.
As an exclusive limited edition of only 10 pieces, each individually numbered, owning the TAG Heuer Monaco Split- Seconds Chronograph | F1® is akin to holding a piece of racing history.
Born from the roar of the engines and crafted with cutting-edge precision, it is Formula 1® on the wrist. Once more, for TAG Heuer: It’s lights out and away we go!
