The TAG Heuer Monaco Speed 12, a Spin Time-Powered Racing Machine for the Wrist

The Heuer Monaco was launched in 1969 as one of the world’s first automatic chronographs and the first square, water-resistant chronograph wristwatch. It became an icon thanks to its unconventional design and its close association with motorsport. Over time, the TAG Heuer Monaco has evolved in multiple directions, from faithful heritage recreations to avant-garde concepts. This latest release is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious and serves as a perfect model to continue the winning spirit of the recent Monaco Split Seconds, the Evergraph, and Calibre TH20-11 chronographs.

Presented during the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco 2026, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Speed 12 transforms the classic Monaco as we know it into a high-end mechanical showcase inspired by the world of performance engines. This limited edition watch features a movement developed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, based on the patented Spin Time display of Louis Vuitton, which has been reshaped recently by introducing an entirely new in-house movement and display module. Here, though, in the context of the Monaco, using synergies within the LVMH Group, it has been extensively reworked to create a motor-inspired indication unlike anything previously seen in the Monaco collection; a 12-cylinder engine-powered machine.

The new Monaco Speed 12 retains the collection’s signature square shape but presents it in a far more technical form. The 40mm case is made from Grade 5 titanium with alternating brushed and polished surfaces and features a sapphire bezel, a domed sapphire crystal and a sapphire caseback. The crown at 3 o’clock bears the TAG Heuer shield logo. Four black DLC-coated openworked arches positioned at the corners hold the suspended movement within the case. The design remains unmistakably Monaco despite the new engine, visible from both sides. Water resistance is 30m.

The dial of the Monaco Speed 12 is entirely openworked and was obviously inspired by automotive engineering and car design. At its centre, a vertically grooved surface resembles an engine cover, while the skeletonised, red-tipped minutes hand appears to have been taken directly from a racing dashboard. Surrounding the black opaline display ring with white markings and red accents at 5-minute intervals are twelve rotating titanium pistons engraved with black-lacquered Arabic numerals.

These shaped elements turn at the start of the hour to reveal the numeral on a dedicated piston, animating the dial in a way that references the firing sequence of a twelve-cylinder engine. To help visualise the action, as the central minute hand completes one revolution, the active piston returns to its “parked” position while the next rotates by 90 degrees to reveal the current hour. This dynamic, mechanical display, which we’ve come to know from the LV Spin Time for several years now, combines jumping-hour principles with an unmistakable motorsport identity.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Speed 12 is powered by the automatic calibre TH84-00, developed and manufactured by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Based on the patented Spin Time concept originally conceived by master watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, the movement has been reinterpreted for TAG Heuer. The calibre operates at a 28,800 vibrations/hour frequency and offers 45 hours of autonomy.

The Monaco Speed 12 is worn on a black rubber strap with a textile-style embossing and contrasting red stitching, closed with a titanium folding clasp with double safety push-buttons.

Limited to just 50 individually numbered pieces, the TAG Heuer Monaco Speed 12 will be available from December 2026 and is priced at CHF 70,000, EUR 77,000 or USD 87,000. For more information, please visit tagheuer.com.