The place most watchmakers start with time-only watches, TAG Heuer is all in regards to the chronograph, which is what makes the brand new Monaco Cut up Seconds Chronograph notable. It’s technically the first-ever cut up seconds or rattrapante chronograph wristwatch from the model – effectively, the primary mechanical variety anyway. A few of you would possibly really feel the Solely Watch version for 2023 deserves credit score as the primary such look ahead to TAG Heuer however it is a collection manufacturing mannequin and Solely Watch was delayed till Might this 12 months.

So why did it take TAG Heuer such a very long time to make a cut up seconds chronograph? It made all kinds of legendary and singularly distinctive chronographs, in spite of everything, and even lent its experience to LVMH sister model Zenith. Nicely, as famous elsewhere, the automated calibre TH81-00 here’s a Vaucher motion, because it was within the previously-announced Solely Watch mannequin. Vaucher, a part of the identical outfit that owns and makes Parmigiani Fleurier watches, is famed for all method of collaborations and TAG Heuer itself has been flexing its partnership muscle groups currently (see Kenisi final 12 months).

The event of the brand new calibre was definitely undertaken underneath the smart eyes of TAG Heuer motion director Carole Forestier-Kasapi, who had this to say in regards to the new Monaco Cut up Seconds Chronogaph: “Each element of the watch displays our ardour for horological artistry.” On that observe, the brand new TH81-00 calibre is crafted in titanium, largely; this in all probability means plates and bridges however maybe additionally chronograph levers and cams. The dial additionally goes partly titanium, with sapphire crystal within the combine too. It’s all fairly advanced and there’s a motive for this, in addition to the Solely Watch connection. However first, allow us to clarify slightly in regards to the capabilities.

In a nutshell, the cut up seconds perform permits the operator to time a number of occasions; these will start without delay however probably finish individually, like lap occasions between two racing vehicles, for instance. It does this with the assistance of an additional set of chronograph fingers and a 3rd pusher, which the Monaco is the perfect form for. Talking of which, the motion right here is mainly spherical so we’ve got computerized winding in place. Listed below are a couple of key specs to wrap issues up for now. There are two colourways, in purple and blue, each with 41mm grade 5 titanium instances. The facility reserve is 65 hours (with the chronograph off) and 55 hours (with chronograph on). This might sound fairly customary however calibre TH81-00 can also be high-beat, protecting tempo at 5 Hz. Water-resistance is far more informal although, at simply 30m.

Lastly, if you wish to scratch your head about one thing, neglect in regards to the water-resistance. It’s all about that complexity that I discussed. The worth of the Monaco Cut up Seconds Chronograph begins at CHF135,000, with some customized choices taking all of it the best way to CHF165,000. Now, this provokes some questions – we’ve got them and we’re certain you have got them too. Do not forget that TAG Heuer famously provided essentially the most accessibly priced Swiss Made tourbillon chronograph for a short time. We will do our greatest to extra data on this from new CEO Julien Tornare.

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