TAG Heuer Comes Out Swinging With New Monaco Chronographs

For Watches and Wonders 2026, it’s clear that TAG Heuer has come out with a hot hand. The Monaco Chronograph is the subject of the brand’s attention, and wow, what a result! Today, we’ll provide an overview of five new models spanning two collections. From my perspective, these are the most significant updates in ages, and they are worthy of plaudits.

It’s not an understatement that the TAG Heuer Monaco is one of the most recognizable watch designs. As groundbreaking as it was in 1969, the watch still turns heads for its distinctive design — especially because it’s a sports chronograph. For 2026, the core model design returns to a more traditional look but arrives with a racing-friendly case material. Then, there’s the Evergraph, which boasts impressive TH-Carbonspring technology in a serial-production model.

The Monaco Chronographs

Watches and Wonders 2026 brings us the first serial-production Grade 5 Titanium Monaco chronographs, and what a stunning trio of releases! TAG Heuer has taken the original 1133B as inspiration for the new pieces, which means sharper case edges and 39mm dimensions. Compared to prior modern renditions, the sapphire crystal is more square, and yet, the design still affords a 100m water resistance rating.

To begin, there are three options comprising the launch. The green dial features a sunray finish, while a two-tone model with solid 18K rose gold fittings has a black opaline dial. For the most traditional of the three, the matte blue variant stands out with its white sub-dials and red details. All dials have printed uminous hour plots and applied, brushed, and rhodium-plated rectangular markers. While my money would be on the typical blue edition, all look fantastic from the photos.

TAG Heuer didn’t provide additional dimensions, but the press information discussed at length how ergonomics were a major factor during the design stage. Indeed, the case profile depicts a more sloped design from the lugs to the wrist. Also, while vintage-style fluted pump pushers would have been my preference, great care was taken to create newly profiled and faceted actuators. From the top, they seem to blend well with the case design. Regarding the strap, each comes with perforated black leather (a natural choice) and a Grade 5 Titanium folding clasp.

Inside, the new Monaco Chronographs use the brand’s in-house TH20-11. Here, it has been reengineered to provide the watch’s signature left-flank crown position and right-side pushers. The 31jewel automatic is visible through a sapphire display on the back and features Geneva stripes and a prominent column wheel. TAG Heuer’s caliber ticks at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers an 80-hour power reserve, an impressive feat.

Thoughts on the new Monaco Chronographs

If you can’t tell, I’m a big fan of the new Monaco Chronographs. If ever titanium had a use case, it’s on this watch due to its racing-inspired design and slightly different fit. Aesthetically speaking, I also think TAG Heuer has nailed it. Plus, by refitting the TH20 for use in this application, it brings the watch up to competitive snuff. Regarding the pricing, let’s keep in mind that the last titanium Monaco we reviewed was a limited edition and used a Sellita-based movement with a Dubois-Depraz module. It cost €9,100. Therefore, a slight rise to €9,300 for the two all-titanium models feels entirely within reason. The steel-and-gold version is dearer at €13,000, but that’s the price of doing business today with the beloved precious metal. All have a five-year warranty. I can’t wait to see these in person, and I truly hope they’re as good as the pictures suggest.

Something special — the Monaco Evergraph

We’re no strangers to exotic releases from TAG Heuer, but this year’s set of skeletonized Monaco Chronographs comes in on the more attainable front. The new Evergraph is a technological powerhouse due to its chronograph mechanism, but more on that shortly. Two openworked-dial models are available, including a blue piece and a black edition, both with red and white detailing. The blue variant has a brushed and polished 40mm Grade 5 titanium case, while its black counterpart uses a matching DLC-coated titanium case.

The dial is worth exploring. Aside from the sub-seconds and 60-minute registers, the Evergraph uses clear acrylic for the rest of the dial. Printed white and red markings are accompanied by applied Super-LumiNova indexes. Blasted and brushed bridges also form part of the topside design. Like the core Monaco chronographs, these pieces feature sapphire crystals on both sides of the case and 100m water resistance. Rubber straps with an embossed textile pattern are included along with a titanium folding clasp.

The magic inside — TH-Carbonspring

The Monaco Evergraph showcases the TH80-00 automatic chronograph movement. This caliber was developed in partnership with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier and includes a TH-Carbonspring balance and escapement. The latter was designed directly by the TAG Heuer Lab. The significance of this is the elimination of all levers and gears traditionally used to stop, start, and reset the chronograph function. To produce this component, TAG Heuer uses a process called LIGA, which stands for “lithography, galvanoforming, and abforming.” It’s a highly accurate process used to create components for watches, medical devices, and other precision industries.

While the use of TH-Carbonspring is already impressive, the movement is no slouch performance-wise. This is a true high-beat movement with a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. It is also a COSC-certified chronometer and comes with a five-year warranty. The latter point should help assuage any concerns about the cutting-edge technology. Regarding the finishing, each has a checkered-flag motif on the plates and bridges. Finally, these are serial-production pieces with a price of €25,000 in either flavor. That’s not inexpensive, but considering the technological leap, specifications, and aesthetics, I think it compares very well to other forward-looking timepieces.

Parting thoughts on the new Monaco Chronographs

I’ll repeat what I said earlier, but I’ll double down and include the Monaco Evergraph in my statement. I really like what TAG Heuer has done here. For the core models, the brand has come up with a better product in all ways. On the Evergraph, the watches offer something unique technically at a price that wouldn’t be possible from a small independent. Frankly, this is the type of technology we expect from a company that has aligned itself with Formula 1 and, seemingly, has the deep pockets to fund research. Let us know your thoughts on these pieces and if you’re also excited to see them in the (lightweight) metal. For more information, visit the TAG Heuer website.