BY JOVAN K
The new TAG Heuer Monaco releases show two very different ways of handling an icon. One plays the smart long game, refining a design that already works, while the other goes much further, using the same square case as a platform for something more experimental.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph
The 39mm case stays true to the Monaco shape, now done in grade 5 titanium, which makes a real difference on the wrist. Older Monaco models always had presence, sometimes more than comfort, so the lighter case material, revised ergonomics, and reworked caseback feel like proper upgrades rather than brochure talk. Brushed and polished surfaces keep the case crisp, while the beveled, domed sapphire crystal adds a bit more depth and softness to all those hard and square lines. The left side crown remains, a small but important link to the original Calibre 11 Monaco from 1969.
The dial stays faithful to what people want from a Monaco. Bi-compax counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, angled date at 6, applied indexes, luminous hands, and enough contrast to keep the layout clean. The blue opalin (CDW2181.FC8360) model carries the classic Monaco energy, the green sunray-brushed and lacquered (CDW2180.FC8360) version feels fresher than expected, and the black and gold opalin (CDW2150.FC8360) piece adds more occasion.
Powering it is TAG Heuer’s in-house calibre TH20-11, an automatic chronograph with an 80-hour power reserve. Pricing lands at CHF8,800 / USD9,350 / EUR9,300 / GBP7,900 for the blue and green titanium models, while the titanium and rose gold come in at CHF12,300 / USD13,050 / EUR13,000 / GBP11,000. All are worn on black perforated calfskin straps with grade 5 titanium folding clasps and come backed by a five-year warranty.
TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph
Then there is the Monaco Evergraph, which clearly has different intentions. This comes in a 40mm case in grade 5 titanium (CEW5181.FT8123) or black DLC-coated titanium (CEW5180.FT8122) versions, with a more aggressive case shape, longer pushers, and a square sapphire caseback designed to show off what sits inside. It still looks like a Monaco, just one that has spent time around concept cars and prototypes. Water resistance remains useful up to 100m.
The transparent dial gives way to movement architecture, suspended indications, open-worked hands, and colored counters depending on the version. Blue accents on titanium nod to Monaco heritage, while the black DLC model with red details leans straight into motorsport attitude.
The movement is the headline. The calibre TH80-00 is COSC certified, runs at 5 Hertz, stores 70 hours of power reserve, and uses a compliant chronograph system with flexible bistable components developed by TAG Heuer LAB. In simple terms, it rethinks how a chronograph works and feels when you press the pushers. That matters.
The titanium version is fitted to a blue rubber strap with grey stitching, while the black DLC model comes with a black rubber strap with red stitching and matching titanium folding clasps. Pricing is set at CHF23,000 / USD25,000 / EUR25,000 / GBP20,000, with a five-year warranty included.
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