For the first time in its near-100-year history, the Monaco Grand Prix has an official title partner: Tag Heuer. The Swiss watchmaker, long connected to motorsport, is now more visibly tied to the event than ever before.
To mark the new partnership, Tag Heuer has released three special versions of its iconic Monaco chronograph. Each model highlights a different aspect of the watch’s legacy—engineering, culture, and sport.
The Monaco has held a key place in watch history since its 1969 debut. It was the first automatic chronograph housed in a square, water-resistant case. Its left-side crown and bold design challenged the conventions of round watches. It became a pop culture icon after actor Steve McQueen wore it in the 1971 racing film Le Mans. Since then, the Monaco has represented both innovation and style.
The most technical of the new releases is the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph. It features the lightweight Caliber TH81-00 movement, created with Vaucher Manufacture. The case is made from TH-Titanium, a special alloy that develops a unique surface pattern through a thermal process, meaning no two watches look the same. Racing green accents and a fully visible movement add to its performance-driven appeal.
The Monaco Chronograph x Gulf leans into the watch’s cinematic heritage. This model includes a strap made of white Nomex—the same fire-resistant material used in McQueen’s original racing suit. Produced by the same American manufacturer, the strap pays tribute to Le Mans. The watch also comes with Gulf’s signature blue and orange color scheme and an optional calfskin strap.
The third model, the Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch, stands out by going back to basics. At a time when many brands are pushing complex complications, this model revives the stopwatch used by motorsport officials in the 1960s and ’70s. Its dial uses bold black, white, and red for high visibility. The watch features a left-side crown, echoing the original 1969 design, and a 39mm DLC-coated titanium case. It is powered by the Caliber 11 and limited to 970 pieces.
These launches come during a period of renewed visibility for Tag Heuer in Formula 1. Earlier this year, the brand replaced Rolex as Official Timekeeper of the sport. The deal lasts ten years and marks a return to a role Tag Heuer held from 1992 to 2003. The move further strengthens its ties to motorsport, including past sponsorships and its current partnership with Red Bull Racing.
Rather than issuing a single anniversary watch, Tag Heuer has introduced a trio of Monacos. Each is designed to appeal to a different audience: the tech lover, the film enthusiast, and the vintage purist.
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