The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue, a classic design with a modern palette

Step back in time with the iconic 1969 layout.

After the Tag Heuer Monaco received an ultra-modern update with a skeleton dial, the Swiss watchmaker has now returned to the original styling of the family. More understated in palette but no less characteristic, the latest Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue boasts the signature left-side crown layout that’s straight out of the first Monaco from 1969, while featuring a new colour palette comprising a healthy and lively mix of silver, yellow, and blue.

In the realm of iconic sports chronographs with intriguing histories, the Monaco easily stands out from its peers just because of its square case. That means if you appreciate the allure of sports watches but desire something distinctive, the Monaco is the perfect choice.

In fact, the latest Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue remains true to the original design, not only in its square case but also by preserving the original crown layout. Upon closer examination, you’ll observe an unusual empty space between the pushers due to the left-side placement of the crown, deviating from the conventional right-side arrangement. This further adds to the inherent quirks of the Monaco.

Just like the case, the dial of the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue gracefully echoes the vintage original. This is evident in the circular ring of the minute track, which encloses two square-shaped chronograph registers. Another distinctive detail borrowed from the original design is the use of horizontal baton markers. These quirky design elements blend together seamlessly, and their enduring appeal even after half a century is a testament to the original designer’s keen eye for harmoniously integrating diverse elements.

While the layout remains reassuringly classic, the palette received a creative touch, distinguishing it from the original. The silver backdrop, featuring the classic “sun-ray” finish, is tastefully restrained, yet the dial of the latest model exudes liveliness with its generous use of blue – a nod to the French national racing colour – and a pop of bright yellow. These elements set the watch apart from its predecessor and grant it a distinct identity of its own.

Modular movement

While Tag Heuer introduced an in-house chronograph movement with high specs a few years back, the configuration of that movement is conventional, with both pushers and crowns located on the right-hand side.

Therefore, for the Monaco with the crown on the left, the brand had to explore other options. For the latest model, they opted for a Selitta SW300-1 base and topped it with a chronograph module from Dubois-Depraz, allowing for easy configuration of the crown and pusher locations. The upside of this choice is the watch’s quirky layout, but the downside is that it features a basic modular chronograph movement, which is less appealing than the brand’s integrated chronograph movement, Heuer 02.

Our verdict

The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue is a nice watch overall, but there are a couple of minor details that might be worth considering. Firstly, the price of USD 9,200 might appear a bit high, particularly when compared to other watches from the brand with similar movements or in-house movements. While the titanium case and limited edition status do justify the price to some extent, some may find it slightly on the expensive side, unless, of course, they are dedicated fans who prioritise the overall quality of the package over the price.

Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue Ref. CAW218C.FC6548 specs and price

Movement: Calibre 11; automatic; 40 hours power reserve

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph

Case: 39 x 14.35 mm; titanium; water resistant to 100 m

Strap: Blue perforated calfskin strap with titanium folding clasp

Availability: Starting July 2023

Limited edition: 1,000 pieces

Price: USD 9,200