TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 Watch Review
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 is the latest expression of the square-shaped iconic watch and has just been unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2026. An evolution of the original model of 1969, it respects the legend while delivering welcome advancement.
The first automatic chronograph (1969)
There are significant moments in history that leave an indelible impression. Looking back to 1969, the world watched in awe as the first lunar module landed on the Moon. In the same year, the Beatles released the ‘Abbey Road’ album. Its iconic cover showed the four band members walking across a zebra crossing, while its memorable tracks were imbued with a permanence, destined never to be forgotten.
However, for legions of watch obsessives, 1969 will also be remembered as the year the self-winding chronograph burst onto the watch scene. Something akin to a horological space race, the year saw various watch firms vying with one another to become the first to bring an automatic chronograph to the market. Heuer, now TAG Heuer, joined forces with Breitling, Buren and Dubois Dépraz, working together on ‘Project 99’. Simultaneously, Seiko and Zenith were both independently developing their own calibres. Coincidentally, all of these companies achieved their goal, releasing an automatic chronograph in the same year (1969).
Seiko produced the Calibre 6139 and Zenith unveiled the ‘El Primero’. Meanwhile, Breitling/Heuer launched the Calibre 11 and Chrono-matic, respectively. Each brand claims to be the first; however, such claims essentially boil down to semantics. What is beyond question is that all of the aforementioned companies created remarkable movements, demonstrating an impressive capacity for innovation.
Heuer Monaco – the water-resistant square case
In his autobiography, ‘The Times of My Life’, Jack Heuer states he enjoyed a good relationship with Willy Breitling and they worked well together on Project 99. However, Heuer, a consummate businessman, foresaw that once the project was concluded, both firms would be trying to sell rival watches equipped with essentially the same movement. One day, a representative from Piquerez, a case supplier, showed Jack Heuer various samples, including a water-resistant square case. In his book, he recalls, ‘We immediately took a liking to the special square shape and were able to negotiate a deal with Piquerez that secured us exclusive use of the case design for chronographs. This way we could be sure that Breitling would not produce a similar case when we all unveiled our new products using the revolutionary Calibre 11 microrotor-based self-winding mechanism that was at the heart of Project 99.’
Heuer Monaco – links to motorsport
Jack Heuer was particularly adept at marketing. With limited funds for advertising, he sponsored Jo Siffert, a rising star in Formula One at the time. The men signed an agreement that led to Siffert having Heuer branding on his race overalls and a Heuer ‘sticker’ affixed to his car. As part of the agreement, Siffert was allowed to sell Heuer watches to his ‘colleagues in the pits and anyone else attending the races’, he also received a watch and an annual fee of CHF 25,000. This association with motorsport would serve Heuer well and would later see Steve McQueen wearing a Monaco 1133B in the race-themed film, Le Mans. This product placement heightened the model’s desirability and undoubtedly contributed to its now iconic status.
Heuer Monaco – the crown on the left side of the case
The original Calibre 11 featured a base movement from Buren. The architecture of the base necessitated that the crown be located on the left flank of the case, adjacent to 9 o’clock, with the chronograph pushers positioned on the right flank of the case. Jack Heuer decided to make this characteristic of the movement a point of difference. Indeed, adverts at the time stated, ‘we moved the winding crown from the left to remind you that this chronograph never needs winding.’
While most modern-day Monaco watches feature contemporary movements, with the crown located in the customary 3 o’clock position, the Swiss avant-garde firm has occasionally released models that pay tribute to the original 1969 creation, with the crown residing at 9 o’clock.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 – introduction
Since unveiling the inaugural Heuer Monaco in 1969, the Maison has not rested on its laurels, releasing numerous references in a variety of colourways, materials and finishes, along with an array of movements. In 2024, TAG Heuer pushed the performance envelope, launching the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, a so-called ‘high complication’ brimming with complexity. Instantly recognisable as a Monaco, the dial oozes modernity, while the case, with its straighter, angular lines, proves more contemporary.
Now, at Watches & Wonders 2026, TAG Heuer has unveiled a new generation Monaco uniting historical and neoteric elements. Initially available in three references, each endowed with a bi-compax display (and date), these models are equipped with the calibre TH20-11, a brand new movement based on the existing, and highly impressive, Calibre TH20-00.
Few brands within the watch industry have an iconic collection; however, TAG Heuer has two within its product portfolio: the Monaco and the Carrera. These are desirable assets that most rival companies would dearly love to emulate. But with such legends comes much responsibility. Indeed, the brand’s present-day management must always exercise extreme care not to lose the very essence of what made the Carrera and Monaco super desirable from the ‘get-go’. This prompts the question, ‘Is the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 a successful evolution of a legendary model or a pale imitation of a former classic?’ Let’s find out.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 – dial
The new Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 is available in three versions: blue opaline dial (CDW2181.FC8360), green sunray brushed dial (CDW2180.FC8360) and a two-tone option comprising a black opaline dial paired with 18K rose gold accents (CDW2150.FC8360). While the family resemblance is clear to see, each reference has its own unique character.
Traditionalists may be drawn to the blue dial, a colour first seen on the 1133B of 1969, a hue considered avant-garde at the time. The two-tone option is quite dressy and evokes thoughts of the JPS Formula One cars of the 70s (for those of you old enough to remember – you’ll know what I mean). Personally, I’m drawn to the green dial, appreciating its verdant tones, sunray brushed epidermis and contrasting black counters.
TAG Heuer has not sought to shock with the new generation Monaco. Instead, its approach is clearly more ‘evolution’ than ‘revolution’. Appraising the dial, some of the iconic details have been retained. For instance, the blue dial option features the familiar faceted hour and minute hands, uniting white SLN with red lacquer. The horizontal rhodium-plated hour markers have also been carried over on this model.
The minute track previously featured round, white SLN markings adjacent to each index. Now they are square, echoing the profile of the case. Upholding tradition, the ‘Monaco’ name, executed in block capitals, sits on high, located below noon. However, this latest model supplants the period ‘Heuer’ text for a contemporary TAG Heuer emblem. The typography has also slightly changed and the date values appear more elongated.
The most significant change relates to the chronograph counters. The small seconds and 30-minute chronograph register have swapped positions. Now, the small seconds resides at 9 o’clock and the 30-minute register is positioned at 3 o’clock. Again, the typography has been reworked, the numerals are now presented in double-digit form and the sides of the counters slope inwards, wonderfully playing with depths. Everything looks cleaner, sharper and easier to read.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 – case
Unlike many of its steel forebears, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 is housed in an ultra-desirable Grade 5 titanium case. This lightweight metal, an alloy comprising 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium, proffers an array of benefits. For instance, it is strong, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic. However, owing to its hardness, the metal is more challenging and costlier to process, hence it is usually the preserve of high-end watches.
The new model remains 39 mm in diameter, but the case profile has been subtly reimagined. For example, the legendary sloping pushpieces have been reworked. The sides of the case are straighter, conferring a more angular appearance. The caseback has also been redesigned, enhancing the ergonomic relationship with the wearer’s wrist. Even the lugs have been subtly altered to comfortably envelop the arm.
Purists can relax, despite the Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 featuring a modern-day movement, the crown remains on the left flank of the case. The Swiss marque has introduced a newly designed crown that exudes an air of refinement.
Lastly, the watch is presented on a black perforated calfskin strap, a historical detail beloved by brand disciples.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 – movement
Over the years, TAG Heuer has produced some very impressive movements. In November 2013, the firm inaugurated a Manufacture in Chevenez, dedicated to making in-house chronograph movements. The Calibre TH20-00 is a fully integrated movement featuring a column-wheel with a vertical coupling. It has a power reserve of 80 hours. With its silken pushpiece feel and stutter-free actuation, this chronograph is simply wonderful.
Specifically created for this particular model, the Calibre TH20-11 is based on said Calibre TH20-00. The name of the movement pays tribute to the original Calibre 11. It’s been designed to incorporate the two-counter dial layout (with date) with the crown on the left side of the case. The exhibition caseback grants sight of the self-winding movement. It is equipped with an openworked oscillating mass, formed in the shape of the TAG Heuer shield. Meanwhile, the bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genéve motif.
Closing remarks
Put simply, the new generation Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 is a successful evolution of a beloved model, delivering newness while respecting what has gone before. In my opinion, it’s the finest expression of the Monaco to date.
Further reading
https://www.tagheuer.com/gb/en/
Technical Specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11
- Reference: CDW2181.FC8360 (blue opaline dial)
- Reference: CDW2181.FC8360 (green sunray brushed dial)
- Reference: CDW2150.FC8360 (black opaline dial paired with 18K rose gold accents)
- Case: Grade 5 titanium, diameter 39 mm, water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front and exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, central chronograph seconds, date, 30-minute counter, small seconds
- Movement: Calibre TH20-11, self-winding movement, 31 jewels, power reserve of 80 hours.
- Strap: black perforated calfskin strap with Grade 5 titanium folding clasp with double safety push-button release.
- Price: blue and green dials – £7,900 (RRP as of 14.4.2026)
- Price: black opaline dial paired with 18K rose gold accents – £11,000 (RRP as of 14.4.2026)