New: TAG Heuers Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1

September 25, 2025

TAG Heuer is a name familiar to many of my fellow Australians. It s a popular brand down under. Even so, it s one from which I have never owned a watch except for an original quartz Formula 1 from the 1980s. This needs to change someday, but today s article features a watch I could never hope to own, even if it is very cool! Meet the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1, a watch well out of my price range but undeniably impressive.The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1First, let s get the specifications out of the way. The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 is powered by the automatic caliber TH81-00. It operates at a high-beat 36,000vph frequency and offers a generous power reserve of 65 hours. This drops down to 55 hours when the chronograph is in use. The oscillating weight is fashioned into the TAG Heuer shield and features a kerb-inspired decoration, both of which are nice touches.The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 has a 41mm white ceramic case with a mixture of sandblasted, high-polished, and brushed textures. Topping it is a beveled and domed sapphire crystal, which adds greatly to the general translucent effect of the watch. Another element contributing to this is the red-tinted translucent dial, providing a view of the impressive caliber underneath. As we can see in the image below, the movement has 52 jewels, a column wheel, and beautiful brushed and checkered-flag finishes.Ceramic and 3D pop?White ceramic sandblasted bridges are visible through the dial, adding to that 3D pop. The use of a split-seconds function in this watch makes sense. The complication is genuinely useful for comparing lap times in motorsports, and the Monoaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 celebrates TAG Heuer s rich motorsport history.The water resistance is only rated to 30 meters, but I don t imagine anyone taking this CHF 155,000 watch underwater. I think I would not even be game for that! This Monaco measures a relatively compact 47.9mm from lug to lug, owing to the square nature of the case. The watch is also 15.2mm thick, so it s not massively chunky considering the movement tech housed within. The entirely sapphire case back affords a clear view of the movement.Playful details?Clearly, the people at TAG Heuer are having some serious fun with this watch as the sub-dials have the text LIGHTS OUT and & AWAY WE GO printed on them. This is a reference to a catchphrase used by Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft to signify the start of a Formula 1 race. The chronograph counters show inspiration from racetrack design, featuring an asphalt-like finish and white and yellow starting-grid positions.It s great to see brands have fun like this. TAG Heuer says the hand-finished ceramic case was used without an inner metallic container or holder for the caliber, which is a technical feat. I quite like the overall skeletonized appearance of this watch, though I realize it may not be for everyone.Concluding thoughts?The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 is a technically impressive watch. It s also one that I will never get to own or probably even handle. But that isn t to say I can t appreciate it from a distance. Seeing a brand have some fun is usually good, even if the price category is unobtanium! This TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 is limited to just 10 pieces worldwide and will be available in the last quarter of 2025.The Monaco is an iconic design, and it s great to see TAG Heuer continuing to provide different takes on the watch s core DNA. But what do you think, Fratelli? Is this something you can appreciate, or is it a little too brash or bold? Let me know in the comments.Watch specifications Brand TAG Heuer Model Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1Reference CBW2190.FC8356Dial Translucent red with solid Super-LumiNova block indexes, open center, white ceramic bridges, chronograph counters with black asphalt-like finish and red, yellow, and white markings, hand-lacquered TAG Heuer logoCase Material Machined white ceramic with manually sandblasted, fine-brushed, and polished finishesCase Dimensions 41mm (diameter) 47.9mm (lug-to-lug) 15.2mm (thickness with crystals)Crystal Beveled and domed sapphireCase Back Full sapphire crystal, affixed with four screws Movement TH81-00: automatic with manual winding and hacking, 36,000vph (5Hz) frequency, 65-/55-hour power reserve (chrono off/on), 52 jewels, column wheel, brushed and checkered-flag finishes, shield-shaped rotor with kerb-inspired decorationWater Resistance 30 metersStrap White calf leather with embossed textile pattern, red stitching, and Grade 5 titanium push-button folding clasp with fine adjustmentFunctions Time (hours, minutes, small seconds) and split-seconds chronograph (12-hour and 30-minute registers, double central seconds)Price CHF 155,000 Special Note(s) Limited to 10 pieces worldwide and available in Q4 2025