TAG Heuer’s latest masterpiece, which was unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2025 shows off TAG Heuer’s returns to Formula 1 as the official timekeeper. They’ve created something truly special to mark this homecoming. The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 combines racing heritage with exceptional watchmaking, bringing together TAG Heuer’s storied past and innovative future. Let’s explore the six key elements that make this limited-edition timepiece so remarkable.
A Racing Legend Returns
The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 isn’t just another luxury watch – it’s TAG Heuer’s celebration of their return to Formula 1 as official timekeeper. This exclusive timepiece revives the iconic Rattrapante (split-seconds) complication originally found in their 1916 Mikrosplit stopwatch, bringing a century of racing heritage to your wrist. With its bold white ceramic case and translucent red-tinted dial, this watch makes an unmistakable statement that honors both TAG Heuer’s history and Formula 1’s 75th anniversary. The striking color contrast ensures this timepiece stands out even from across the room.
Engineering Marvel: The Movement
At the heart of this exceptional watch beats the TH81-00 movement, developed in partnership with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. This automatic split-seconds chronograph operates at an impressive 5 Hz frequency and delivers 55-65 hours of power reserve. The movement doesn’t just keep perfect time – it enables the watch’s signature feature: the ability to measure two separate time intervals simultaneously with millisecond precision. This functionality proves invaluable for tracking multiple racing laps or concurrent events, making it truly worthy of the F1 connection. The movement features hand-finished bevels, black mirror-polished screws, and TAG Heuer’s shield-styled oscillating weight – craftsmanship that racing enthusiasts and watch collectors alike can appreciate.
Ceramic Innovation
The sleek white ceramic case represents a significant technical achievement – it’s constructed without an inner metallic container, a rarity in watchmaking that showcases TAG Heuer’s technical prowess. Ceramic offers exceptional benefits: it’s lightweight yet extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and maintains its brilliant white color indefinitely. This material choice perfectly complements the racing aesthetic while providing practical advantages for a timepiece that embodies performance. The case has been entirely handcrafted to millimeter precision, demonstrating the brand’s ability to master even the most advanced materials.
F1 Design Elements
The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 incorporates racing DNA throughout its design. Look closely and you’ll discover asphalt-textured counters reminiscent of F1 tracks, checkered flag patterning on the bridges, and starting grid markings. The split-seconds hand features a red lacquered titanium insert and can be controlled using the pusher at 9 o’clock. TAG Heuer has even added subtle racing touches like the phrase “LIGHTS OUT & AWAY WE GO” – the trademark call of commentator David Croft that signals the start of each Grand Prix – and a discreet F1 logo at 6 o’clock. These thoughtful details create a timepiece that truly captures the spirit of Formula 1 racing.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
The extraordinary attention to detail extends throughout this timepiece. The sapphire caseback is crafted from a single piece of sapphire crystal, allowing an unobstructed view of the magnificent movement within. The translucent red-tinted dial partially reveals the movement, creating a fascinating layered effect. Every element has been meticulously finished by hand, from the polished screws to the precisely applied indexes. Even the calfskin strap receives the premium treatment, paired with a grade-5 titanium deployment clasp that’s optimized for comfort without compromising durability. This level of craftsmanship justifies the watch’s position as a collector’s item.
Exclusivity Defined
With only 10 units being produced worldwide, the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 represents exclusivity in its purest form. Priced at 155,000 CHF (approximately $175,635 USD), this timepiece is destined for the collections of the most dedicated watch enthusiasts and Formula 1 aficionados. The limited production ensures that each watch is crafted with extraordinary care and attention, resulting in a wearable masterpiece that celebrates the precision, speed, and excellence that define both TAG Heuer and Formula 1. This isn’t just a watch—it’s a piece of racing history captured in ceramic, titanium, and sapphire, standing among the luxury watch brands that command record-breaking price tags.
