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TAG Heuer Celebrates the Monaco Grand Prix with Three New Monaco Releases

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  • TAG Heuer introduced three new collections in the Monaco during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
  • The Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch, Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, and Monaco Chronograph x Gulf made their debut ahead of both the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500, two of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar.
  • The Monaco Chronograph x Gulf honours the spirit of Steve McQueen, celebrating the cinematic legacy of Le Mans and the square-cased watch that became a symbol of motorsport style.
  • These releases come at a historic moment for the brand, following TAG Heuer’s new role as the first-ever title partner of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco.

Before engines roar through Monte Carlo, TAG Heuer has already made its mark. As the Monaco Grand Prix takes centre stage, the brand unveils three new versions of its most iconic piece, blending racing spirit with the confidence of Swiss craftsmanship. TAG Heuer understands theatre; it always has. Arriving before the main event, it sets the mood for the weekend and quietly reminds everyone why Monaco remains such a powerful symbol of motorsport style. One piece pays homage to Steve McQueen’s cinematic legacy, another leans into serious mechanical innovation, and the third brings back colours and partnerships that collectors never tire of revisiting. The Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch, Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, and Monaco Chronograph x Gulf are more than new designs—they show that, after more than fifty years, the square case that once broke the rules still knows how to own the grid.

TAG Heuer Celebrates 82nd Formula 1 Grand Prix De Monaco | Image: TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer Monaco Grand Prix Editions 2025

This release couldn’t be more perfect, as the announcement was made on Friday before the first practice session of the 2025 TAG Heuer Monaco. This year has already transformed TAG Heuer’s role in global motorsport, as the brand returned to one of racing’s most prominent roles, reclaiming its status as the official timekeeper of Formula 1, as part of a broader alliance led by LVMH, its parent company. This agreement revived a historic relationship in the sport and marked the end of the previous era, which was dominated by Rolex, a shift many saw not as a major change but more as a return to the original order.

TAG Heuer became the title sponsor of the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time, adding to its role as the championship timer and strengthening its presence beyond just its official watch duties. Fans guessed this would spark something special for the Monaco Collection, and speculation grew as race week got closer.  The brand not only met expectations but went a step further by releasing three new pieces instead of just one, turning anticipation into certainty.

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf Ref.CAW218G.EB0393 | Image: TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer Monaco Collection 2025

The TAG Heuer Monaco Collection 2025 truly captures a moment when heritage, timing and ambition converge on one of the most famous motorsport stages. Now, with the brand back at the centre of Formula 1, and race week in Monte Carlo providing a backdrop for the latest releases, carrying more narrative weight. Each watch explores a unique story of the classic square-shaped sports watch from different angles. The Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch dates back to 1969, when Heuer timing instruments were essential tools in competition. The Monaco Chronograph x Gulf draws energy from the cinematic legend forged by Steve McQueen in Le Mans, and the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph celebrates high watchmaking at its finest. 

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch Ref.CAW218F.FC6356 | Image: TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch

  • Brand: TAG Heuer
  • Model: Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch
  • Reference: CAW218F.FC6356
  • Diameter: 39 mm
  • Thickness: 15 mm
  • Material: Titanium
  • Dial Colour: Black & Silver
  • Calibre: Calibre 11 Automatic
  • Power Reserve: 40 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $10,200

Let’s start with the Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch, the first of the newly unveiled Monaco releases and the most nostalgic of the trio. This model leans unapologetically into Heuer’s timekeeping roots of the 1970s, bringing that era back to life in a format that feels authentic and wearable.

The 39mm case maintains a classic look with its square shape, but the black DLC-coated grade-2 titanium adds a sharper, more modern edge while keeping the lightweight comfort expected from a modern sports chronograph. It feels meaningful on the wrist, solid yet well-balanced, with the unmistakable Monaco stance that collectors immediately recognize.

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch | Image: TAG Heuer

Looking at the dial, it tells a story. A circular black design stands out prominently against an opaline silver background, creating a striking contrast reminiscent of vintage track timers. The black, white, and red colour scheme is intentional, reflecting the visual language of classic Heuer stopwatches designed for quick readability under pressure.

A red minute track wraps around the perimeter, infusing enough energy for this watch to be inspired by motorsport timing. The entire design focuses on readability, control, and accuracy, which aligns with TAG Heuer’s own words: “In racing, time carries a different weight.” The brand further explained that “fractions of a second define outcomes, and the pressure to perform never fades,” a sentiment that becomes even more relevant this year as TAG Heuer becomes the first-ever title partner of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, a historic change that adds extra symbolism to this release.

Turn the watch over, and the story continues through the sapphire caseback, where the calibre 11 is on display. This movement is more than just a mechanical engine; it is part of Monaco folklore, as it was among the earliest automatic chronograph calibres ever introduced and became instantly recognizable thanks to its unconventional left-side crown placement. Jack Heuer once admitted that “initially we all thought a crown on the left side did indeed look weird,” before revealing that the team decided to embrace it as a defining trait, effectively signalling to the world that “this chronograph does not need winding every day because it is automatic.”

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch | Image: TAG Heuer

Functionally, the calibre 11 provides hours, minutes, seconds, a date display, and full chronograph features, supported by a 40-hour power reserve that makes it practical for daily wear while still appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the historical context behind the movement. The watch comes with a black perforated calfskin strap, a subtle nod to the racing gloves worn by drivers during the golden era, giving it a vintage, theatrical feel.  

Limited to 970 pieces, a nod to the decade that defined Heuer’s motorsport identity, the Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch feels like a respectful salute to the past executed with modern materials and finishing. At USD $10,200, it makes sense for collectors who want a Monaco that clearly speaks to racing heritage without venturing into six-figure territory, delivering a piece that even Jack Heuer himself would likely recognize and appreciate.

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf Ref.CAW218G.EB0393 | Image: TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf

  • Brand: TAG Heuer
  • Model: Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch
  • Reference: CAW218G.EB0393
  • Diameter: 39 mm
  • Thickness: 15 mm
  • Material: Titanium
  • Dial Colour: Silver
  • Calibre: Calibre 11 Automatic
  • Power Reserve: 40 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar ( 100 metres, 330 feet )
  • Price: USD $9,900

Now, we turn our attention to the Monaco Chronograph x Gulf, a piece that resembles more a cinematic homage to the golden age of motorsport than a simple collaboration. It celebrates racing culture and Hollywood history within a striking square case. This edition pays tribute to Steve McQueen, the brand’s unofficial symbol of cool, whose role in the 1971 film Le Mans forever linked Monaco to endurance-racing thrills and elevated the watch from an innovative design to a cultural icon.

Movie fans will remember that McQueen wore a Monaco during the filming of Le Mans, pairing it with a Gulf-branded racing suit while driving the legendary Porsche 917K on screen. That image did more than sell movie tickets; it cemented Monaco’s place in motorsport folklore and boosted demand for the watch like few product placements ever have. In 2025, TAG Heuer once again teams up with Gulf to create a heritage-inspired piece that stays very true to the original 1969 design while refining the overall look.

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf | Image: TAG Heuer

The dial instantly reflects that spirit immediately. A fine-grained silver surface forms the backdrop, while the iconic Gulf blue and orange stripes running vertically along the right side, almost as if taken directly from McQueen’s racing suit. The chronograph keeps the traditional left-side crown and is driven by the calibre 11 automatic movement, maintaining the historical elements that purists associate with a Monaco revival.

TAG Heuer captured the partnership well in its statement, saying, “The Gulf livery is one of the most instantly recognizable visual identities in motorsport. Its light blue and orange combination became a fixture in endurance racing during the late 1960s and ’70s. Drivers like Jo Siffert, whose friendship with TAG Heuer laid the foundation for the brand’s presence in racing, helped shape Gulf’s place in motorsport lore.” That quote does more than explain the colour choice; it highlights how deeply connected this look is to racing history.

A key detail is located just below 12 o’clock, where the vintage Heuer shield logo reappears, positioned beneath the Monaco name as a subtle but impactful tribute to the original pieces from the collection’s early days. Though small, this element grounds the watch in its history and signals to collectors that it’s not just a modern reimagining, but a respectful homage to a storied legacy.

The 39mm case is made from sandblasted grade-2 titanium, providing a matte, tactile finish that keeps the watch lightweight and modern while retaining the bold square shape that defines the Monaco. Through the sapphire caseback, the calibre 11 is visible again, showing hours, minutes, seconds, a date, and a chronograph, supported by a 40-hour power reserve.

Just like the first model, limited to 971 pieces—a deliberate nod to the 1971 Le Mans release year—the Monaco Chronograph x Gulf is priced at USD $9,900. It appeals to collectors who appreciate heritage, cinema, and motorsport equally. Available through boutiques and online, securing one may require a touch of McQueen-style urgency, because when history, design, and nostalgia align this cleanly, they rarely stay in display cases for long.

TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph Ref.CBW2185.FC8350 | Image: TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph

  • Brand: TAG Heuer
  • Model: Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph
  • Reference: CBW2185.FC8350
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 15.2 mm
  • Material: Titanium Grade 5
  • Dial Colour: Transparent
  • Calibre: Calibre TH81-00
  • Power Reserve: 65 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: Price On Request

Lastly, the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph. This piece confidently bears the hallmark of one of TAG Heuer’s most iconic designs, which is quite impressive, especially considering the direction TAG Heuer is heading this year in the higher levels of mechanical watchmaking compared to anything we’ve seen before with the square-cased legend. This design shares the same energy as the brand’s latest 2024 Rattrapante, which was released at Watches & Wonders. This new interpretation introduces fresh ideas, new materials, and a higher level of finishing as the brand aims to position itself in the top tier of watchmaking.

The first thing you’ll notice is the surface case, which features TH-Titanium, a proprietary composite developed after years of research and a specialized thermal process that, according to the brand, changes the material on an “atomic level.” This results in a natural pattern that interacts with light in unpredictable ways, giving the surface a textured, almost living quality. Each watch’s appearance is unique, driven by the alloy’s inherent structure rather than any hand-crafted being used.

TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph | Image: TAG Heuer

That wild, irregular backdrop offers the design team a perfect chance to embrace colour, and they do so by adding flashes of vivid lime green across the split-second hand, the dedicated pusher, and the chronograph indications. This splash of colour creates a contrast that immediately draws the eye to its mechanical core through the transparent dial. TAG Heuer maintains its racing heritage throughout the design, with hand-painted stripes resembling racing liveries, while the movement’s architecture showcases finely brushed surfaces, polished bevels, and an oscillating weight with unique numbering, all of which are evident if you take the time to explore the details.

If we look at the features of this visual drama, the 41mm design heavily relies on titanium and frames the spectacle with a sapphire bezel and dial that reveal the calibre TH81-00, developed in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier and offering a power reserve of 65 hours. This highly complex mechanism allows the wearer to time two separate intervals at once, a feature rooted in motorsports necessity and the world of Formula 1’s horological theatre.

You can feel the vintage of TAG Heuer all the way back to 1969, with its timekeeping instruments sitting in the background, but the personality of this watch makes it modern when paired with experimental materials and high-end finishing, priced at CHF ₣145,000. This places it closer to collectible art than a typical sports timer. This unique piece makes a significant impact on TAG Heuer, as it aims for the Monaco to be a part of future horology, not just a hero from the past, making this piece impossible to ignore.

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Grand Seiko Presents a New Calibre at Watches and Wonders 2025

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Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.

As Watches and Wonders 2025 rolls around, the watchmaking world is bracing for what is sure to be a showstopper from Grand Seiko. Known for its flawless blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology, Grand Seiko is set to unveil something special. This year, they are releasing a brand-new calibre that is bound to excite collectors and watch enthusiasts. And if you have ever seen a Grand Seiko in person, you know that when they make a move, it is not just a step—it is a leap.

With this exciting new release, Grand Seiko reinforces its commitment to precision, beauty, and innovation. It’s safe to say this calibre will raise the bar once again. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone just entering the world of luxury timepieces, all eyes should be on Grand Seiko as they redefine what’s possible in horology.

Grand Seiko Calibre 9RB2 | Image: Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko Calibre 9RB2

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Calibre 9RB2
  • Diameter: 30 mm
  • Thickness: 5.02 mm
  • Winding Mechanism: Automatic With Manual Winding
  • Accuracy: ±20 Seconds Per Year (±3 Second Per Month)
  • Number Of Jewels: 34 Jewels
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours

The Calibre 9RB2 was unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2025, and let’s just say—it’s a total game-changer. With an accuracy of ±20 seconds per year, this new movement elevates precision to the next level, thanks to significant advancements in Japanese quartz processing and a smart integrated circuit that keeps everything stable, even when the temperature changes.

It’s part of Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 Collection, and you can find it in two stunning models: the SLGB001 in Platinum 950 and the SLGB003 in High-Intensity Titanium. Both feature a dial with a cool “Ice Forest” texture, inspired by the peaceful Kirigamine Highlands in Japan.

With a 72-hour power reserve, a regulation switch for accuracy adjustments, and a sleek design, the 9RB2 demonstrates once again why Grand Seiko, renowned for its Japanese craftsmanship, is a leader in the world of luxury timepieces.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Ice Forest – 65th Anniversary Limited Edition | Image: Grand Seiko

Ice Forest – 65th Anniversary Limited Edition

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Evolution 9 Ice Forest – 65th Anniversary Limited Edition
  • Reference: SLGB001
  • Diameter: 37 mm
  • Thickness: 11.4 mm
  • Material: Platinum
  • Dial Colour: Ice Forest
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9RB2
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $39,000 (Limited Edition – 80 Pieces)

The SLGB001 is the first watch to feature the new Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2, introduced in Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 Collection. This innovative movement offers an accuracy of ±20 seconds per year, setting a new benchmark for precision in mainspring-driven watches. The watch has a 37mm Platinum 950 case, combining elegance with durability. Its dial, inspired by the frost-covered trees of Japan’s Kirigamine Highlands, showcases a unique “Ice Forest” texture.

Crafted from Platinum 950, the SLGB001 case is both luxurious and durable. The Zaratsu-polished surfaces and mirror-finished bevels reflect light beautifully, showcasing Grand Seiko’s attention to detail. The blue crocodile leather strap, combined with a Platinum 950 clasp partly made of 18k white gold, guarantees both comfort and style. With a water resistance of 100 meters and magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m, it is designed for everyday wear.

The SLGB001 is scheduled to launch in June 2025, and with only 80 pieces available worldwide, it’s a rare collector’s item. Each piece is individually numbered, making it an exclusive timepiece. This watch truly represents Grand Seiko’s dedication to both precision and artistry.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection SLGB003G | Image: Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko – Ice Forest

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Evolution 9 Ice Forest – 65th Anniversary Limited Edition
  • Reference: SLGB003
  • Diameter: 37 mm
  • Thickness: 11.4 mm
  • Material: High-Intensity Titanium
  • Dial Colour: silver-tinged blue hue
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9RB2
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $10,900

Much like the Limited Edition above, the SLGB003 pays homage to the stunning Ice Forests of the Kirigamine Highlands in Japan’s Shinshu region. While the SLGB001’s dial features a more intense blue, the SLGB003 opts for a subtler approach with delicate pale blue accents that capture the essence of the frosty landscape. The dial’s silver-tinged blue hue perfectly mirrors the serene, frosty atmosphere of the Kirigamine Highlands, where the winter air gives the trees their beautiful icy coating.

The SLGB003 replaces the leather strap of the SLGB001 with a high-intensity titanium bracelet that combines durability with lightweight comfort. It also features a new three-step micro-adjustment clasp that doesn’t require tools, allowing for 2mm adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and ultimate comfort throughout the day.

This is also scheduled for release in June 2025 and will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retailers worldwide. With a price tag of $10,900, it combines the precision of the Spring Drive Calibre 9RB2 with a refined design, making it a standout addition to any collection.

Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Purple Kiri | Image: Grand Seiko

Heritage Collection – Purple Kiri

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Heritage Collection
  • Reference: SBGW323
  • Diameter: 36.5 mm
  • Thickness: 11.6 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Purple Kiri
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9S64
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $5,600

A stunning addition to the Heritage Collection, this timepiece celebrates elegance and nature. The soft lilac dial, inspired by the kiri (paulownia) flower—known as the “empress tree” and “princess tree”—captures the delicate beauty of this feminine bloom, which also serves as Iwate Prefecture’s symbol. Boasting a pressed pattern that represents Mt. Iwate as seen from Shizukuishi, it is a graceful nod to the region’s natural beauty.

Powered by the manual-winding Caliber 9S64, which features a 72-hour power reserve, this watch delivers precision and reliability. The 36.5mm stainless steel case, along with the comfortable bracelet, ensures both style and practicality.

Grand Seiko Tentagraph Snow Blue | Image: Grand Seiko

Tentagraph Snow Blue

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Evolution 9 Tentagraph Snow Blue
  • Reference: SLGC007
  • Diameter: 43.2 mm
  • Thickness: 15.3 mm
  • Material: High-Intensity Titanium
  • Dial Colour: Snow Blue
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9SC5
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $14,100

Set to launch alongside the Purple Kiri model in May 2025, the Evolution 9 Tentagraph SLGC007 is a stunning example of Grand Seiko’s dedication to precision and artistry. Inspired by the snowy landscape of Mt. Iwate during winter, this mechanical chronograph combines the beauty of deep snow with rugged mountain ridges. The dial showcases a striking dual-layered ‘Snow Blue’ hue, featuring an embossed pattern that mirrors the ridge lines of the mountain, providing breathtaking visual depth.

The connection between the watch and Iwate Prefecture is strong, as it is home to Grand Seiko’s GS Studio Shizukuishi, nestled within a tranquil forest. While the harsh winter conditions showcase the region’s tough exterior, the watch’s design conveys a deeper meaning. It serves as a reminder of the spirit of Mt. Iwate, which, despite its challenging nature, teaches that “Even if life is rough, we should live with determination.”

Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion Tentagraph | Image: Grand Seiko

Tokyo Lion Tentagraph

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Tokyo Lion Tentagraph
  • Reference: SLGC009
  • Diameter: 43 mm
  • Thickness: 15.6 mm
  • Material: Brilliant Hard Titanium
  • Dial Colour: Snow Blue
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9SC5
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 20 Bar (200 metres, 660 feet)
  • Price: USD $16,400

The last of Grand Seiko’s collection at Watches & Wonders 2025 is the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009, a bold and adventurous timepiece designed to “invite its owner on an adventurous journey.” This model features the Tentagraph Calibre 9SC5, a high-beat mechanical chronograph movement operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour with a 72-hour power reserve. It also incorporates a vertical clutch and column wheel for precise chronograph operation.

This is the first in the Sport Collection to feature Grand Seiko’s Brilliant Hard Titanium, enhancing both durability and aesthetic appeal. The case design, inspired by a lion’s paw, showcases bold, angular lines and Zaratsu-polished surfaces that reflect the brand’s careful craftsmanship.

One of the most striking features is its new dial pattern, developed around the motif of a sprinting lion with its mane trailing behind. This dynamic design adds to the piece’s adventurous spirit. The dial also features three-dimensional sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, designed to maximize legibility while adding depth to the overall appearance.

The chronograph pushers have been redesigned for a satisfying tactile experience, resulting in smoother and more precise operation. Additionally, the watch offers 200 meters of water resistance and magnetic resistance up to 4,800 A/m, making it as durable as it is stylish.

Set to launch in August 2025, the SLGC009 is an exceptional combination of ruggedness and refined design. Whether you’re diving into an adventure or simply appreciating its craftsmanship, this timepiece is ready for whatever comes your way.

Watches And WondersGrand Seiko
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