BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
TAG Heuer’s been on a roll these past few years, and we’ve really enjoyed seeing where they’re headed. They’ve also been dropping some pretty insane watches along the way, and recently, they’ve unveiled their boldest case concept for their iconic Monaco line yet.
TAG Heuer’s new Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph Air 1 takes the brand’s motorsports icon to a new level. The case appears to be mostly hollow with an interesting honeycomb-like effect, the result of a manufacturing process new to the brand called Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Also known as Direct Metal Laser Sintering, SLM uses high-powered lasers to melt grade 5 titanium powder and fuse it into a shape.
Once each layer is done, an arm wipes a new layer of the powder across the object’s surface, and the laser repeats the process for the next layer. The result is that the watch’s case is “printed” layer by layer, rather than being cast or machined, and can be of a complex yet robust shape like the new Monaco’s is. The black components on the case are also made of grade 5 titanium with a DLC coating, and under the titanium outer layer is a latticework of 2N yellow gold, which has also been laser cut. The case measures 39.0mm, has 30m of water resistance and weighs 85 grams according to some sources.
Inside the watch is one of TAG Heuer’s most complex movements, the calibre TH81-00. It’s a self-winding movement developed with Vaucher in Fleurier, and it has a 5Hz beat rate with 65 hours of power reserve. The TH81-00’s signature flourish, however, is that it has a rattrapante chronograph, meaning you can split the seconds to cover two things, such as lap times.
TAG Heuer is only making 30 of these watches, and they’re all presented on a black rubber strap with Alcantara inserts. They’re also pricey at CHF150,000 per piece. Is it worth spending that much on a TAG Heuer? I’ll let you duke it out in the comments.
Explore more at Tagheuer.com
