Square watches have always stood out in the world of horology, not just for their unique shape but for the bold statement they make. The TAG Heuer Monaco collection, a pioneer in this arena, has consistently captured the imagination of watch enthusiasts and racing fans alike, continually upholding its relationship with motorsport and precision. Launched in 1969 and its legendary status cemented by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans, the Monaco has benefitted from TAG Heuer’s painstaking efforts to keep it fresh and exciting while maintaining its signature—daring square case, crown on the left, and eye-catching dials.
This brings us to its latest iteration: the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph in dark blue, a modern tribute to the collection’s historic past and racing heritage, while also serving as a testament to TAG Heuer’s ongoing innovation in watchmaking. Made from grade 2 titanium, prized for its robustness and light weight, the watch’s colourways draw directly from the fast-paced world of motorsports. The dark blue is a nod to the Mediterranean Sea that surrounds Monaco, which hosts one of the world’s most prestigious races, while the contrasting touches of yellow on the hands and hour markers evoke the sparks that fly from racing cars at high-speed.
The tactile feel of the matte 39mm-wide case is courtesy of a sandblasted finish, while its architectural look and feel comes from a black DLC-coating. The sharp lines of the Monaco are slightly softened, its finish accentuating the curves on the sides of the case and its short lugs—the watch feels incredibly comfortable on the wrist, despite its 15.2mm thickness.
The crown and chronograph pushers are on the right side of the watch, which departs from Monaco’s original design of putting it on the left, but this move aligns with TAG Heuer’s aim for its watches to have a more futuristic feel.
The open-worked dial in the Monaco Skeleton Dark Blue maintains the collection’s signature geometric aesthetics while enhancing legibility. The blue sandblasted dial, framed by a white minute scale and Super-LumiNova-treated hour indices, merges circular and square elements seamlessly. Unique design elements include a geometric shape formed by the 11 and 1 o’clock indices, supporting the TAG Heuer logo, and a mirrored trapezoidal section at 5 and 7 o’clock, housing the small seconds hand and date pointer, ensuring both functionality and visual harmony.
The indices at 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock anchor the chronograph subdials, which feature black surfaces framed in blue and marked in white for easy readability. The minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock and the hour counter at 9 o’clock both have yellow lacquered hands, complementing the central chronograph hand. Alongside the rhodium-plated, lumed hour and minute hands, these elements form a striking colour scheme that adds to the watch’s distinctiveness and appeal.
Despite its exhibition caseback, the case boasts a decent water-resistance of 100m—hello, new everyday watch! Ticking within is the Calibre Heuer 02, featuring rhodium-plated bridges and yellow accents. The chronograph’s column wheel is emphasised in yellow, as is the inscription on the skeletonised and shield rotor. The calibre offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, which ensures smooth chronograph performance.
The watch is presented with an embossed calfskin leather and rubber strap, the perfect aesthetic match to the design of the case and dial. It secures to the wrist with a folding clasp in the same material as the case, featuring double safety push buttons for secure closure and easy handling.
Adored by racing fans, style icons and horology enthusiasts alike, the Monaco is an icon for a reason—more than a watch, it’s a statement that reflects TAG Heuer’s commitment to innovation while honouring a legacy that spans decades. The new Monaco Chronograph Dark Blue exemplifies this history beautifully, providing its owners the perfect blend of identity, heritage, and innovation.
