Introducing: The Impressive TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph In TH-Titanium

TAG Heuer has done a good job of showing the versatility of the Monaco over the past couple of years. With its series of classic race-inspired models, the brand has treated fans to some striking timepieces. But as it turns out, the Monaco is also the perfect platform for more futuristic creations. The watch’s late-’60s design lends itself very well to contemporary renditions using modern materials and technically impressive calibers. The new TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in TH-Titanium is the perfect proof of this. The watch introduces a case made of the brand’s new proprietary titanium alloy. It’s time to find out more.

Last year, TAG Heuer introduced the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in two colorways, aptly demonstrating how the legendary racing chronograph adapts to a more modern guise. This year, we saw a follow-up with the white and red F1 model during Watches and Wonders. The whimsical 10-piece limited edition raised an eyebrow or two, and its April 1st release date didn’t help. But with the new Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in TH-Titanium, TAG Heuer means business, bringing a new material that suits the watch’s aesthetic to a tee.

The story of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in TH-Titanium

The new titanium alloy is this new Monaco’s main talking point. Dubbed TH-Titanium, it is a textured material with a unique look and feel. It took the TAG Heuer Lab, the brand’s in-house R&D institute, four years to develop the material. The brand didn’t release any specifics on the composition of the special titanium alloy, but it does mention that it is used for aerospace components, turbine elements, and high-performance automotive parts. Therefore, it is not a watch-exclusive material. But the magic trick is in the thermal treatment that changes the structure of the alloy.

The Lab developed a series of thermal treatments that reorganized the material’s atomic structure. As a result, the alloy has a flaky, camouflage-like pattern, giving it a lighter and slightly different visual presence than forged carbon. While it does resemble non-proprietary versions of crystallized titanium, the “flakes” seem more defined with clearer borders. One glance at the material, and you immediately understand this is not your average Monaco or even an average Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph (as if that were an average watch anyway).

The specs of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in TH-Titanium

The sandblasted case has a 41mm diameter, a 47.9mm lug-to-lug, and a 15.2mm thickness. On its right side, you will find the crown and the two pushers to start, stop, and reset the chronograph. On the left sits a shaped split-seconds push-button with lime-lacquered titanium tube. The crown and pushers are all made of Grade 5 titanium. Additionally, the split-seconds pusher at 9 o’clock is guarded by two shaped TH-Titanium protectors. All in all, this is a modern, angular version of the characteristic Monaco case.

But if you think that was it, guess again. A nicely sculpted box-shaped sapphire crystal matches the case on the front. In addition, the case back is entirely sapphire crystal for maximum exposure of the rattrapante chronograph caliber. It is a remarkable choice we have seen on previous versions of the watch, and it increases the futuristic presence significantly.

The TH81-00 caliber developed in partnership with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier

Inside the case, TAG Heuer uses the same high-beat rattrapante caliber TH81-00 as for previous versions. This automatic movement operates at 36,000vph and offers 65 hours of power reserve if the chronograph is not running. If the chronograph is active, the power reserve decreases to 55 hours. The movement is executed in lightweight titanium and features an intricate series of finishes that neatly match the watch’s modern style.

Regarding the dial-side layout, the caliber shows running seconds at 6 o’clock, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12-hour totalizer at 9 o’clock. Like last year’s versions, the two black opaline chronograph sub-dials feature the words “Rattrapante” and “Chronograph” in white. This time, TAG Heuer combines them with lime-colored hands for a nice, legible contrast. These hands also match the lime-colored hour markers integrated into the white minute track printed on the open sapphire dial.

The Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is a visual spectacle

Hovering above the dial are skeletonized black gold hour and minute hands. They have a filling of white Super-LumiNova and feature white-lacquered tips. Accompanying them are a white-lacquered central chronograph hand and a lime-lacquered central split-seconds hand. While the movement is not skeletonized, the open design of the watch offers plenty of visual spectacle. The big eyecatchers are the black-anodized bridges that accompany the black chronograph counters. But there is a lot more to see. Thanks to the large sapphire crystals used on the front and the back, you can see many of the intricate details of the movement in action.

Final thoughts on the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in TH-Titanium

Overall, the new Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph in TH-Titanium is a fascinating tour de force. It displays TAG Heuer’s mission to push the boundaries with its Monaco. The new titanium alloy is an intriguing proprietary material that I would love to witness up close. It gives this 2025 version of the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph a distinct presence that I prefer over last year’s two inaugural versions.

The modern technical presence combined with the striking movement and the CHF 145,000 price makes this a watch for the lucky few. More specifically, it’s for people who like and can afford exclusive, modern, and futuristic timepieces. That puts this Monaco in the same ballpark as similar watches from brands like Richard Mille and fellow LVMH brand Hublot. While I prefer the vintage-inspired Monaco models, I appreciate TAG Heuer’s efforts to explore the limits of its most legendary chronograph. From that perspective, this is an impressive effort from TAG Heuer.