I know. The TAG Heuer Split-Seconds Chronograph Air 1 is a highly alluring timepiece that makes rich motorsport enthusiasts want to sell all their Blue Chip shares for one. But since the price on request, there is a high chance that it is a wrist real estate priced like Manhattan penthouses. If you’d rather not face the disappointment, here’s another worthy motorsport-themed TAG Heuer timepiece. Folks, meet the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph.
This new Monaco takes everything TAG Heuer has ever done with the square icon and turns the “night race” vibe up to 11. It is bold, loud, and ready for a photoshoot under Singapore GP floodlights. The 39 mm case is crafted from black DLC-coated titanium, so it is light, resilient, and visually gives off the energy of a track marshal who has seen things. The dial, meanwhile, is fully skeletonized with a violet-to-deep blue gradient that looks like nightfall speeding towards you at 300 km/h.
At night, the watch goes full Tron. Super-LumiNova accents glow in green, blue, and purple. The arches light up. The minute track pulses. Even the date reveal glows. If you ever wanted a wristwatch that looks like a cyberpunk pit lane, here it is.
Inside, TAG Heuer’s in-house Calibre TH20-00 keeps time with the kind of confidence only a Swiss chronograph can carry. A sapphire caseback lets you admire the movement doing its thing while pretending you understand escapements. Completing the package is a black rubber-and-calfskin strap with purple stitching to match the dial’s after-dark mood.
Only 600 numbered pieces will be made, and it ships in a special purple-accented Monaco box.
The price is US$11,600. It is not cheap. I mean, it’s a TAG Heuer, what do we expect, right? But at least you don’t have to ask the price and feel awkward after.
Images: TAG Heuer.
