The TAG Heuer Monaco just keeps getting cooler at Watches and Wonders 2026
Everyone's favourite F1 watch has gotten a refresh with a rebuilt classic version and a high-spec wonder
By Cayle Reid
WITH WATCHES AND WONDERS on this week, you’re going to see words like ‘elevated’, ‘refined’ ‘elegant’ and ‘understated’ used countless times to describe the new releases. Some outlets will even throw out an ‘opulent’. While accurate, no doubt, we’re here to tell you that sometimes a far simpler term will suffice: cool.
Such is the case with TAG Heuer’s update to the Monaco. Which is simply cool. Is it refined? Yes. Is it elegant? Yes. Is it opulent? Absolutely. But above all, it’s cool.
The Monaco model has always been cool. Originally released in 1969 to commemorate the Monaco Grand Prix, it was the world’s first square chronograph and featured subdials reminiscent of a car’s dashboard. It was made famous by Steve McQueen (the king of cool) when he wore it in 1971 film Le Mans. Since then it’s been phased out, reintroduced, updated and upgraded. Now, its two newest forms have been revealed at Watches and Wonders 2026. Let’s take a closer look.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph
The first of TAG Heuer’s two new Monacos is an update of the core chronograph model. It leans much further toward the original 1969 design than what followed in subsequent decades, which were more like abstractions of the original. The new version brings those sharp, angled edges to the forefront. TAG Heuer clearly understands that the Monaco’s case geometry is what makes it so special.
Another upgrade: the 39mm case is now made with Grade 5 titanium. The sides are more gently curved and the caseback is more ergonomic, to improve comfort. The crown remains on the unconventional left side, which is practically the signature feature of the model. The dial has also been refined (there’s one of those words!) for increased legibility, with contrasting subdials and faceted indices.
The new chronograph collection includes three colour schemes. There’s a signature McQueen blue, a sunray-brushed British racing green and a two-tone black model housed in titanium and 18-carat rose gold. At the heart of all three is the in-house Calibre TH20-11, an automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve and a bi-compax layout.
TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph
The Evergraph is the more technically advanced of the new Monaco models, and it represents modern watchmaking at its best. It introduces a compliant chronograph mechanism, in a departure from tradition. The new system removes almost all of the conventional springs and levers by replacing them with two bi-stable components. These ensure the tactile sensations you feel when you press start, stop and reset remain identical, whether it’s the first press or the thousandth.
Visually, the Evergraph differs from the standard Monaco chronograph. It retains the boxy case geometry, but reshapes it in a brutalist style that gives it an almost architectural presence on the wrist. It also utilises an open-worked, inverted design to show off the mechanisms beneath the crystal. As a result, the gear train, barrel and oscillator are on full display.
The Evergraph comes in two versions. One is natural titanium with blue accents (a reference to Steve McQueen’s 1133B Monaco); the other a black DLC-coated variant with red highlights.
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