Introducing: The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph × Gulf
This year is a special one for TAG Heuer. After more than two decades, 2025 marks the brand’s return as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1. Additionally, for the first time in history, the Grand Prix de Monaco will have a title sponsor. TAG Heuer will present the race and has created a new limited-edition Monaco Chronograph × Gulf for the occasion.
By now, we’re used to specially designed Monaco chronographs. Somehow, though, TAG Heuer successfully imbues each with a unique flavor. Today’s new Monaco Chronograph × Gulf may sound like a repeat engagement, but it’s a special creation that should entice racing fans. Indeed, collaborative pieces using the Gulf logo aren’t new, yet this model recreates a famous image and uses race-inspired materials.
Monaco by way of Le Mans
To fully understand the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph × Gulf, let’s travel back in time to 1971 on the film set of Le Mans. In this iconic film, Steve McQueen portrayed race car driver Michael Delaney and drove an equally legendary Porsche 917K with Gulf livery. Surprisingly, it was the watch he wore that grew to become as important as the actor, car, and race. The original Caliber 11-powered Heuer Monaco had presence on the screen and has become a mainstay in the TAG Heuer catalog.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph × Gulf
In celebration of its reclaimed position as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 and as the title sponsor of the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, TAG Heuer is releasing a new limited-edition Monaco. Collaborating to create a new Gulf version of the watch isn’t a novel idea, but the color scheme is a first. The watch, with a fine-grained silver dial and the familiar blue and orange stripes running down the right side, mimics McQueen’s racing suit.
Perhaps in a nod to the high-tech, lightweight materials in race cars, the 39mm by 47.4mm case is made of bead-blasted Grade 2 titanium. The result of the case finishing is a more instrument-like watch than the standard, brighter steel versions. As this is a sports watch, the Monaco has a water resistance rating of 100 meters.
Not the first Gulf Monaco
As mentioned, a TAG Heuer Monaco with Gulf livery isn’t a new idea. A special-edition Caliber 11 model debuted in 2018 with a blue dial and was in production for several years. In 2022, a new collaboration debuted with the in-house TH20-00. This meant that the pushers and crown were on the right side of the case. Now, the Caliber 11 is back, and even if the overall design is familiar, it’s different enough to create interest.
A different dial design
Aside from the dial color, there are other differences in the latest Monaco Chronograph × Gulf. The layered dial has black sub-dials showing running seconds and a 30-minute counter. Also, and this seems like a first, the luminous material is reserved for the central hour and minute hands. Instead, the watch has printed black hour dots and applied brushed metal indexes. The red color is also missing from the central hand. Orange takes its place. Central hands with black details tone down the look as well. Of course, the friendly-looking Gulf logo sits below the center. Finally, the dial has a black-on-white date wheel within a beveled window. All told, this version is probably the most technical-looking yet. That’s a surprise considering the light tone.
Caliber 11 inside
The crown position on the left side of the case is a giveaway that the new Gulf Monaco uses the TAG Heuer Caliber 11. This automatic has a Sellita SW300 base and uses a Dubois-Dépraz 2006 module. It has a running frequency of 28,800vph and 40 hours of power reserve. The combination of movement and module requires 59 jewels!
A choice of straps
The latest Monaco Chronograph × Gulf ships with two straps and a titanium push-button folding clasp. A traditional blue leather perforated racing strap with orange stitching is expected. A fun surprise is the white Nomex strap with orange stitching. For those unfamiliar with the material, it’s the same cloth used for race car drivers’ fire-resistant suits and apparel. It might show signs of dirt easily, but the material can be cleaned and is known for its durability. In any case, I like the effort from TAG Heuer, and I wonder why we haven’t seen a strap like this before!
Final impressions and pricing
For many readers, the idea of another limited-edition Monaco might not sound exciting. I’d tend to agree if the watch didn’t bring something fun or unique to the table. The new Monaco Chronograph × Gulf does that well. It looks different enough with the light dial, blasted titanium case, and Nomex strap. For CHF 9,300, that’s heady territory, but TAG Heuer seems to know what its die-hard fans want with these pieces. As a nod to the original film’s release year, this watch will see a run of 971 pieces. Let us know your thoughts on this latest racing-themed Monaco in the comments below.
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