The TAG Heuer Monaco Steve McQueen Finally Goes In-House

For about a decade, the classic blue dial TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11, also known as the “Steve McQueen” edition, has been one of the most recognisable chronographs. The square case, the vivid blue dial, the left-hand crown and the bi-compax layout are burned into our collective memory. Yet, while the Monaco series was used to host innovations, like the recent TH-Carbonspring technology, the most emblematic of Monaco versions remained, well, technically conservative. From the original Calibre 11 to its later revivals in 2009 and 2015, the classic Monaco relied on outsourced base movements and Dubois-Depraz chronograph modules. That changes in 2026, as TAG Heuer closes a long-standing chapter and opens a new one, with the latest Monaco Chronograph remaining faithful to the defining traits of reference 1133 but now powered by the in-house Calibre TH20-11.

The new Monaco Chronograph case has grown marginally, being 39.4mm across now (vs. 39mm before), and has been redesigned for improved balance and wearing comfort, while also bringing back the design elements of the original. The thickness, however, has been reduced by 1mm, down from 14.8mm to now 13.8mm. Made from grade 5 titanium, it features sharper edges, better-defined surfaces, and gently curving sides. The sapphire crystal is closer to a true square, and the caseback gets a rounded central section. Finishing alternates between fine brushing and polished bevels, respecting the model’s industrial spirit without sacrificing quality.

The Monaco’s left-hand crown is precisely where it belongs, at 9 o’clock. The brand notes that it is no longer a technical necessity dictated by a modular movement, but a choice rooted in history. Just like the crown, redesigned, the pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock are newly shaped and better integrated, contributing to a cleaner profile. Water resistance is 100m, on the level with modern chronograph specs.

The dial, particularly the signature blue version, is about continuity and evolution. The familiar horizontal applied indices, the two squared subdials, the blue colour inspired by the vintage reference 1133B, the watch worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans, are all here. However, the layout has been changed to suit the new movement. The subdials, deeper than before with a bevelled edge, have been inverted compared to earlier Calibre 11 Monacos: the chronograph minutes counter now sits at 3 o’clock and the running seconds is positioned at 9 o’clock. A small, angled date window appears at 6 o’clock, maintaining symmetry. Depth and legibility have been improved through contrasting opaline finishes, crisp printing and applied markers filled with Super-LumiNova. The red-lacquered central chronograph hand on the blue model, already present before, adds a touch of sporty dynamism.

At the heart of the new Monaco is the automatic Calibre TH20-11. Based on TAG Heuer’s modern TH20, this version has been specifically reconfigured for the Monaco. This integrated movement offers an 80-hour power reserve, much better in comparison with the previous generations relying on a base Sellita SW300 with a Dubois-Depraz module. Operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour, it features a vertical clutch and column wheel, delivering precise chronograph engagement and improved reliability.

Visible through the sapphire caseback, the Calibre TH20-11 is nicely finished, with Geneva stripes and a skeletonised rotor. The crown’s left-hand position is now engineered into the movement, making it an authentic in-house solution without compromising functionality or aesthetics.

The new Monaco Chronograph is offered in three versions. Alongside the blue dial “Steve McQueen” model, there is a green sunray model inspired by British racing colours, and a more luxurious black version housed in a two-tone titanium and 18k 5N rose gold case. All are delivered on perforated racing-style leather straps with a newly designed titanium folding clasp. The price for the blue and green one is EUR 9,300, with the titanium, gold and black edition costing EUR 13,000. To put things in perspective, the past Monaco titanium editions, like the Racing Blue and Racing Green, or the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf, powered by the Sellita SW300 base Calibre 11, were priced higher. And if you compare it to the old Calibre 11, in steel with the outsourced Sellita-based movement, which retailed for EUR 8,550 at the time of its discontinuation, the price increase feels quite reasonable given that you get a titanium case and an in-house, better-performing movement.

For more information, please visit tagheuer.com.