TAG Heuer Unveils New "TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph" with Renewed Square Icon

More than half a century after its debut, the masterpiece "TAG Heuer Monaco" embarks on its next chapter. By adopting a new, more ergonomic design, it enhances wearability and sophistication. The movement is equipped with the in-house automatic caliber TH20-11. Watches & Wonders, Geneva, Switzerland – April 14, 2026 – Since its birth in 1969, the "TAG Heuer Monaco" has left an indelible mark on the watch industry. As the world's first waterproof square chronograph and the first commercially available model to be equipped with the automatic chronograph movement "Calibre 11," this timepiece was a unique presence that overturned the conventions of its time. As a platform embodying avant-garde design and innovation, the "TAG Heuer Monaco" has consistently made bold statements throughout its history. This time, TAG Heuer refreshes this square icon by adopting an entirely new case design. Inspired by the original model Ref. 1133, unveiled more than 50 years ago, the new generation model further enhances the appeal of the "TAG Heuer Monaco"'s iconic form with dynamic lines, while highlighting its contemporary individuality. Furthermore, its ergonomic design significantly improves wearing comfort. A Historic Turning Point In the mid-1960s, the world was gradually moving away from hand-wound mechanical watches that required daily winding to power their movements. Automatic watches, which emerged during this period, offered unprecedented convenience. Wearers quickly became accustomed to the mechanism where the timepiece was powered by the natural movements of their body. For Heuer, this change also marked the beginning of a major challenge. At that time, Heuer only manufactured chronograph wristwatches. An automatic caliber capable of measuring elapsed time with a chronograph did not yet exist. Therefore, Heuer partnered and collaborated with multiple watch manufacturers to launch "Project 99," a plan to develop and manufacture the world's first automatic chronograph movement. Born from the combination of a Buren micro-rotor driven base caliber and a Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module, the "Calibre 11" was announced on March 3, 1969, and soon after became commercially available. Due to the technical requirement of integrating the base movement and module, the crown was placed on the left side of the case. This design necessity eventually evolved into a defining characteristic that would become synonymous with the "Monaco." This was not only a practical sign that the watch no longer required daily winding but also contributed to improved ergonomic comfort and functionality. Such a groundbreaking movement demanded an equally innovative timepiece. To house this new movement, Heuer not only revamped the designs of existing collections like the "Autavia" and "Carrera," which had been released several years prior, but also created a visionary, forward-looking model that symbolized this historic milestone: the "Monaco." A Reinterpretation True to the Senses, Down to the Smallest Detail Since its inception, the "Monaco" has always stood apart. Its square case, combining satin and polished finishes, accentuates its unique character with sharp lines and striking geometric forms. Furthermore, bold color choices, such as the vibrant blue, which was rare in the watch industry at the time, further emphasized its individuality. When it was unveiled in 1969, its appearance was truly unparalleled. Its innovative design language did not immediately gain widespread public support. However, avant-garde creative minds such as Sammy Davis Jr., Oscar Peterson, Stanley Kubrick, and of course, Steve McQueen, quickly became admirers of this model. Although production of the first model ceased after only five years, its revival in 1997 finally led the world to fully appreciate the design language of the "TAG Heuer Monaco." Today, the "Monaco" is one of TAG Heuer's iconic models, serving as a crucial pillar supporting the Maison. However, the design reintroduced in 1997 was in many ways an abstraction of the original "Monaco." Only a few elements were carried over, the most prominent being the square form. When the project to redesign the collection began for the "TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph" unveiled in 2024, the decision was made to return to Ref. 1133, the origin of the "Monaco" story. And now, many of the elements that shaped its character have been inherited by the new "TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph." In the new model, the sharp, angular edges are further emphasized, and the sapphire crystal has evolved into a more square-like form. The 39mm case, crafted from Grade 5 titanium, extends into gently curved sides. The case back is ergonomically designed. The curved shape from the small central circular part to the edges follows the design elements of the original model while enhancing wearing comfort. Furthermore, extensive improvements have been made to enhance balance and wearability. The dial has also undergone refinement. Typography and text placement have been meticulously considered to ensure absolute legibility. The interplay of forms and applied elements enhances the overall design without compromising legibility, and the combination of contrasting sub-dials and multiple finishes brings depth and individuality to the dial. This new model is undeniably a "TAG Heuer Monaco," a model that further accentuates its individuality. Available in three color variations, this new release includes the signature "TAG Heuer Monaco Blue," inspired by the model famously worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film "Le Mans." Additionally, a sophisticated dark green model with a sunray satin finish and lacquer finish follows the classic British Racing Green code. Furthermore, an elegant black model is housed in a two-tone case of Grade 5 titanium and 18K 5N rose gold. All models are paired with a racing-style strap featuring a newly designed Grade 5 titanium folding buckle. Equipped with an In-House Movement At the heart of this timepiece is the new in-house Calibre TH20-11, one of the most significant upgrades to this "TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph." Based on TAG Heuer's automatic Calibre TH20-00, which is now a staple in many of the Maison's chronographs, the in-house development team has spent several years redesigning, improving, and testing this new movement. With a power reserve of approximately 80 hours and covered by a 5-year warranty, this Calibre TH20-11 elevates the new "TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph" to new heights of quality and reliability. This model adopts a bi-compax layout with sub-counters at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, and a date display at 6 o'clock. This configuration is an homage to the original "Calibre 11" and is also the origin of its name, "TH20-11." The most noticeable feature is the crown placed on the left side of the case. This is a signature code of the "TAG Heuer Monaco" that is still deeply loved by collectors worldwide. Overall, the newly updated design demonstrates that the "TAG Heuer Monaco" has been reinterpreted for the modern era, designed to be worn by more people than ever before. Whether for generations inspired by Steve McQueen racing on the circuit in the film "Le Mans" or those thrilled by Max Verstappen conquering the street circuit of the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, this new "TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph" remains true to its innovative roots while asserting its presence as an icon symbolizing the present age. https://www.tagheuer.com/CDW2181.FC8360.html CDW2181.FC8360 / 1,347,500 JPY (incl. tax) / Released April 2026 Automatic / Blue Dial / Grade 5 Titanium Case / Case Diameter 39 mm / 100m Water Resistance / Black Calf Strap https://www.tagheuer.com/CDW2180.FC8360.html CDW2180.FC8360 / 1,347,500 JPY (incl. tax) / Released April 2026 Automatic / Green Dial / Grade 5 Titanium Case / Case Diameter 39 mm / 100m Water Resistance / Black Calf Strap https://www.tagheuer.com/CDW2150.FC8360.html CDW2150.FC8360 / 1,886,500 JPY (incl. tax) / Released April 2026 Automatic / Black Dial / Grade 5 Titanium Case / Case Diameter 39 mm / 100m Water Resistance / Black Calf Strap www.tagheuer.com X：@TAGHeuerJapan ‏, Facebook：＠TAGHeuer , LINE：@tagheuer #TAGHeuer #タグホイヤー Inquiries LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan TAG Heuer TEL : 03-5635-7030