TAG Heuer Monaco Las Vegas Edition Watch Review
To coincide with Round 22 of the Formula One World Championship, TAG Heuer released the Monaco Las Vegas Edition CBL218E.FT6312. Housed in the brand’s iconic 39 mm square case, this model features a skeletonised dial dressed in a ‘deep gradient ranging from purple to dark blue’. We tasked Marcus Henry, one of our stateside correspondents, to share his observations.
Designed to Win
When scratched, TAG Heuer bleeds racing. Almost everything it does has a high-octane rating, is powerful and clearly designed to win. Carrera, Monaco—heck, even the recently reincarnated Formula 1 collection—it all proclaims an ardent passion for the world of motorsports and an intense desire to innovate. Nowhere is this latter pursuit found more than in the world of F1, where months of development might ensue just to shave a fraction of a second off a lap time; a world where drivers and cars are pushed to the limit in the quest for speed.
The Swiss avant garde marque has been a popular sight within the F1 paddock for decades and earlier this year it returned as the ‘Official Timekeeper of F1’. Since making this announcement, TAG Heuer has been prolific, unveiling wave after wave of F1-themed timepieces, including this gorgeous creation inspired by the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix, a race staged at night. Imbued with a lively colour palette reminiscent of the famous street circuit, the watch is dressed in eye-popping tones. From vibrant purples to bold blues, this latest Monaco is one of the most exuberant versions of the legendary square-cased watch. Let’s dive in.
TAG Heuer Monaco Las Vegas Edition – dial
This is a watch designed to catch more than just your eye, but will inevitably garner admiring looks from just about everybody within a six-foot radius. More than anything, the riot of colour wonderfully enlivens the Monaco’s black skeletonised dial. From top to bottom, a richly saturated gradient, from purple to dark blue, suffuses the openworked structure. In addition, there are twinkles of vibrant turquoise gracing the chronograph counters and central chronograph seconds hand. As if this wasn’t enough of a treat for the eyes, it’s also set above the richly textured backdrop of various naked movement components.
Two chronograph registers, one for the minutes and the other for the hours, reside at 3:00 and 9:00, respectively. These are bedecked in gorgeous turquoise and grey tones, stylishly punctuating the darkness. At 6:00, you’ll find the small seconds display. The absence of a track inhibits read-off, hence its presence is more to indicate the movement is operational. For precision timekeeping, the central chronograph seconds hand, fitted with a counterweight, shows elapsed periods to the nearest ¼-second.
Yet for all the dial’s colourful dynamism, it’s really at night when it all comes to life. In the dark, just about every tone of Super-LumiNova you can imagine sparkles into focus. The chronograph indicators glow a brilliant blue, the minutes track and hands develop into a rich green and even the skeletonised bridges blush forth in luscious purple.
TAG Heuer Monaco Las Vegas Edition – case
If TAG Heuer were to choose a case profile as a suitable companion for this dial that would not be eclipsed by its ebullience, then the Monaco must be prime candidate. The square housing, first unveiled in 1969, is the Swiss firm’s best-known design. It’s instantly recognisable, uniting an array of sharp angles that toy with light. In this instance, TAG Heuer has hewn the case from Grade 2 titanium and coated it with a black DLC finish. The resultant housing is both light and scratch resistant.
Measuring 39 mm in diameter, this watch wears differently than a round case, appearing slightly larger than the stated dimensions would suggest. However, rest assured, the Monaco Las Vegas Edition is more wearable than many of its competitors in the ‘bold and audacious category’, which favour bulk in order to make a point. In this instance, the dial does the talking and the case quietly observes.
The case is water-resistant to 100 m, which, provided you don’t go pushing its buttons underwater, should be more than enough for your everyday needs. Oh, and I’d be remiss to discuss the Monaco without a mention of its original champion: the ‘King of Cool,’ Steve McQueen, who famously wore it in his starring role in the 1971 hit film Le Mans. It was good enough for him – enough said.
TAG Heuer Monaco Las Vegas Edition – calibre TH20-00
With a watch such as this one, there is an expectation that you can see the engine. TAG Heuer doesn’t disappoint, equipping the model with an exhibition caseback. Don’t expect to see a throbbing V8, instead, you’ll discover a far more eco-friendly Zero-Emission calibre TH20-00. This is a lovely in-house movement from TAG, featuring automatic winding and a significant power reserve of 80 hours. The specification includes a column-wheel and vertical coupling. Actuate the chronograph and you will see the central chrono hand instantly move without any discernible hesitation and note the buttery-smooth push piece action. This is horological engineering at its best. The finishing is also very agreeable with sumptuous Côtes de Genève adorning the bridges and a black DLC-finished skeletonised rotor bolstering the stealth vibe.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Las Vegas Edition doesn’t provide unhindered views of rotating gears, but it does seduce the onlooker with a rather unusual sapphire caseback. It has been treated with a special metallisation that confers a rich chromatic gradient from pink to blue. This colour fade is both eye-catching and attractive, yet sufficiently transparent to grant sight of the stunning movement. A perfect Goldilocks balance ie just right.
Buckle up
To round out our discussion of this lovely Monaco Chronograph, let’s finish with the tyres—er, strap. Here, the final effect is much simpler but immaculately done. The strap unites black rubber with embossed black calfskin, delivering a fusion of athleticism and luxury. This winning combination is finished with light purple stitching, accentuating the numerous dial tones to deliver a stunning aesthetic It secures to the wrist with an engraved folding clasp, also crafted in DLC-coated Grade 2 titanium.
Closing remarks
The TAG Heuer Monaco Las Vegas Edition wonderfully captures the high-energy and glamour of Formula 1 with its vibrant use of colour and precision engineering. Like a courageous Formula 1 driver, this watch looks like it could emerge unshaken from setting a lap record before sauntering off, suitably attired, to partake in a spot of Las Vegas nightlife. It’s sleek, dynamic, and, above all, wearable. With neon glows and darkened poise, the TAG Heuer Monaco Las Vegas Edition, limited to 600 pieces, threatens to sell out before you can even finish saying its name.
Further reading
https://www.tagheuer.com/gb/en/
Technical specification
- Model: TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025
- Reference: CBL218E.FT6312
- Case: black DLC-coated Grade 2 titanium, diameter 39 mm, height 14mm, water resistance 10 ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition case back
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph hours and minutes
- Movement: Calibre TH200-00, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 33 jewels, power-reserve 80 hours
- Strap: black rubber and embossed black calfskin, DLC-coated grade 2 titanium folding clasp
- Price: £9,850 (RRP as of 2.12.2025)
- Limited Edition: 600 pieces