TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf

The intersection of high-octane motorsport and precision watchmaking has once again been celebrated with the introduction of a notable timepiece. Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer has recently unveiled the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf, a limited-edition model that pays homage to a storied partnership and a golden era of racing. This new chronograph does not merely track time; it encapsulates a period of daring innovation and cinematic cool, resonating with enthusiasts of both horology and motorsport history. Limited to just 971 pieces, this watch marks a significant nod to a pivotal year in racing and film.

TAG Heuer's journey began in 1860, founded by Edouard Heuer in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland. From its inception, the brand cultivated an avant-garde watchmaking spirit, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. Key developments punctuate its history, including the oscillating Pinion for mechanical stopwatches in 1887, a foundational patent that simplified chronograph construction and is still used today. The early 20th century saw the introduction of the Mikrograph in 1916, the first stopwatch capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, showcasing the brand's commitment to precision in sports timing. This dedication to accuracy naturally led TAG Heuer to the world of motorsport.



A particularly revolutionary moment arrived in 1969 with the launch of the Calibre 11, one of the world's first automatic-winding chronograph movements. This groundbreaking movement found its initial home in an equally revolutionary watch: the Heuer Monaco. The Monaco was a stark departure from the traditional round-cased watches of its era. It boasted a bold, square, water-resistant case – a first for such a design – and featured a distinctive crown positioned on the left side. This unconventional placement was a deliberate statement, signaling that the watch was automatic and did not require daily manual winding, a feature that set it apart from its contemporaries.

The TAG Heuer Monaco's ascent to iconic status was significantly accelerated by its appearance on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the 1971 motorsport film Le Mans. McQueen, portraying the fictional driver Michael Delaney, personally selected the Monaco for his character. His choice was influenced by Jo Siffert, a Swiss Formula One driver and a friend of Jack Heuer, who also served as McQueen’s driving coach for the film. The watch, with its distinctive square shape and often-seen blue dial in subsequent models, became inextricably linked with McQueen's cool persona, the Gulf-striped Porsche 917K he drove in the film, and the raw energy of endurance racing. The movie effectively sealed the Monaco's place in cinematic and horological history.

The Gulf livery itself is a powerful symbol in motorsport. The distinctive light blue and vibrant orange color combination became a dominant visual in endurance racing during the late 1960s and 1970s. Teams sponsored by Gulf Oil achieved significant success, and the colors became synonymous with speed, endurance, and victory. Jo Siffert was instrumental in cementing Gulf's legendary status in racing circles, and his association with Heuer watches and Steve McQueen created a powerful trifecta of motorsport influence that continues to be celebrated. The shared heritage between TAG Heuer and Gulf is a testament to a period where design, performance, and branding converged on the racetrack.

The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf, reference CAW218G.EB0393, is a direct descendant of this rich lineage, drawing inspiration from decades of design and racing history. It presents a compelling visual narrative, beginning with its signature square 39mm case. This case is forged from sandblasted grade-2 titanium, a material known for its lightweight properties and exceptional resilience, making it fitting for a watch with such a dynamic pedigree. The fine-brushed finish on the titanium enhances its modern, technical aesthetic while remaining true to the Monaco's robust character.



Upon closer inspection, the watch reveals thoughtful design elements. The case measures 15mm in thickness, providing a substantial yet comfortable presence on the wrist. The distance between the lugs is 22mm, accommodating the specially designed straps. A beveled, domed sapphire crystal protects the dial, offering superior scratch resistance and clarity. The crown, also crafted from sandblasted grade-2 titanium, is situated at the 9 o’clock position, a hallmark of the original Calibre 11-equipped Monacos. Complementing the crown are two sandblasted grade-2 titanium shaped push-buttons at the 2 and 4 o’clock positions, controlling the chronograph functions. The watch assures water resistance up to 100 meters, suitable for daily wear and unexpected encounters with moisture.

Turning the watch over, a sapphire caseback reveals the intricate workings of the movement within. This transparent window into the watch's heart is framed by titanium, engraved with "LIMITED EDITION" and "ONE OF 971," underscoring the exclusivity of this model. The "971" designation is a direct tribute to 1971, the year the film Le Mans was released, forever linking the Monaco to Steve McQueen and that specific era of motorsport.

The dial of the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf is a striking tribute to its namesake partnership. It features a fine-grained silver finish, providing a clean and luminous backdrop for the emblematic Gulf accents. Running vertically down the right side of the dial are the instantly recognizable bold blue and vibrant orange stripes, a direct visual cue to the Gulf racing livery and McQueen’s iconic racing suit. The vintage HEUER printed logo is prominently displayed in black below the 12 o’clock position, a detail reserved for pieces that celebrate the brand's rich historical narrative. Just below the hands, the official Gulf logo is applied, further solidifying the collaboration.

Chronograph functionality is displayed via two square-shaped sub-dials with a black opaline finish, creating a pleasing contrast with the silver main dial. At 3 o'clock, a permanent second indicator with a rhodium-plated hand keeps track of running seconds. At 9 o'clock, a black opaline minute chronograph counter, also with a rhodium-plated hand, tallies elapsed minutes up to 30. The applied indexes are rhodium-plated and polished, catching the light and enhancing legibility. The hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated and facetted, treated with blue Super-LumiNova® to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Adding a vibrant splash of color that ties into the Gulf theme, the central chronograph hand is finished in a bright orange lacquer. An angled date window is discreetly positioned at 6 o’clock, maintaining the dial's balanced asymmetry.



At the heart of this timepiece beats the Calibre 11 automatic movement, a direct descendant of the pioneering 1969 movement. This modern iteration upholds the legacy with its left-sided crown and robust performance. It operates at a balance frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring precise timekeeping. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 40 hours when fully wound. Its functions include hours, minutes, and seconds, a date display, and a chronograph capable of measuring 1/4 of a second, with a 30-minute counter. This mechanism is a testament to TAG Heuer's continued expertise in chronograph development.

The strap selection for the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf further enhances its unique character and connection to motorsport heritage. The primary strap is a striking white textile material, distinguished by orange stitching. This choice is particularly evocative, as it is crafted from the same conceptual material palette as Steve McQueen’s legendary racing suit in Le Mans, creating a tangible link to the cinematic icon. For added versatility and a different expression of its racing spirit, an additional navy-blue perforated grained calfskin strap with orange stitching is included. This alternative strap provides a more traditional, yet equally sporty, feel.

Securing the watch to the wrist is a sandblasted grade-2 titanium folding clasp. This clasp features double safety push-buttons to prevent accidental opening, ensuring the watch remains securely in place. The HEUER logo is proudly displayed on the clasp, adding a final touch of heritage branding. The combination of advanced materials like titanium, the precision of the Calibre 11 movement, and the deeply referential design details culminate in a watch that is built for both performance and appreciation.

This new limited-edition chronograph arrives at a significant juncture for TAG Heuer, coinciding with its enhanced involvement in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. For the first time, the iconic Grand Prix de Monaco will bear the name of a title partner, becoming the Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco. This development further solidifies TAG Heuer's enduring relationship with racing and its commitment to one of the sport's most legendary circuits, adding another layer of relevance to the launch of this Gulf-themed Monaco.

TAG Heuer's contemporary operations reflect its historical commitment to innovation and performance. As part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, the world’s leading luxury group, TAG Heuer continues to operate from its headquarters in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. With four production sites, the company employs 1,900 people and distributes its products in 139 countries through a network of boutiques and authorized dealers. The brand's current CEO, Antoine Pin, guides TAG Heuer under its new philosophy: "Designed to Win," a motto that encapsulates its legacy of bold innovation, resilience, and high performance in demanding environments.



The core collection of TAG Heuer today includes iconic families such as the Carrera and the Monaco, both originally designed by Jack Heuer, and is complemented by contemporary lines like the Aquaracer, Formula 1, Link, and the Connected smartwatch series, which marked the brand's entry into the luxury smartwatch market in 2015. The brand's prominent partnerships and ambassadors continue to mirror its drive to push boundaries and excel when performance is paramount.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf is more than an aesthetic tribute; it is a carefully considered piece of engineering and design. The choice of Grade 2 titanium for the case offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to steel, enhancing wearer comfort without compromising durability. The sandblasted finish gives it a contemporary, matte appearance that resists fingerprints and minor scuffs, aligning with the functional demands of a sports watch.

The dial’s fine-grained texture adds a subtle depth and sophistication, preventing glare and improving the visibility of the contrasting sub-dials and vibrant Gulf stripes. The application of blue Super-LumiNova® on the hands is a modern touch ensuring that the watch remains functional even when lighting conditions are suboptimal, a practical feature for any timepiece. The orange lacquered central hand doesn't just serve an aesthetic purpose; it provides an immediate, clear reading of the chronograph seconds.

The Calibre 11 movement, while rooted in history, is a reliable modern engine. Its automatic winding means it is powered by the motion of the wearer's wrist, and the 40-hour power reserve is standard for many contemporary automatic chronographs, providing ample autonomy when not worn daily. The chronograph mechanism itself is designed for precision, crucial for a watch with such strong ties to motorsport timing.

The inclusion of two distinct straps offers the owner a degree of personalization and adaptability. The white textile strap makes a bold statement, directly referencing McQueen's attire and making the watch instantly recognizable as part of the Gulf collection. The navy-blue calfskin strap offers a more understated, yet still sporty, option that can be easily swapped, broadening the occasions for which the watch is suited. This attention to detail in presentation and options reflects a comprehensive approach to the user experience.

This new release, limited to 971 examples, speaks directly to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the confluence of watchmaking, motorsport, and cinematic history. Each element, from the left-hand crown to the specific color execution of the Gulf stripes and logo, has been thoughtfully curated to evoke the spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period of audacious design and thrilling competition.



The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf, with its unique blend of historical reverence and modern craftsmanship, stands as a vibrant new chapter in the Monaco's ongoing narrative. It successfully channels the charisma of its predecessors while incorporating contemporary materials and horological standards.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf (Reference CAW218G.EB0393) became available in May 2025. This limited-edition timepiece is priced at $9,550.00. Given its restricted production run of 971 pieces and the strong appeal of both the Monaco and Gulf legacies, it represents a significant offering for those looking to acquire a watch with a distinct and celebrated heritage.

Case: 39mm sandblasted grade-2 titanium fine brushed case; 15mm thickness; 22mm lugs distance; 100m water resistance; beveled, domed sapphire crystal; sandblasted grade-2 titanium crown at 9 o’clock; sandblasted grade-2 titanium shaped push-buttons at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock; sapphire caseback.

Movement: Calibre 11 Automatic; 40 hours power reserve; balance frequency 28'800 (4 Hz); functions include Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph : 1/4 second, 30 minutes counter, Date.

Dial: Silver fine grained with blue and orange stripes; 2 counters: black opaline permanent second indicator at 3 o’clock, black opaline minute chronograph counter at 9 o’clock; rhodium plated polished applied indexes; rhodium plated facetted hour and minute hands with blue Super-LumiNova®; orange lacquered central hand; black HEUER printed logo; 6 o’clock angled date; MONACO, AUTOMATIC, CHRONOGRAPH, SWISS MADE printed in black; Gulf logo.

Strap: White textile strap with orange stitching; additional blue perforated grained calfskin strap with orange stitching; sandblasted grade-2 titanium folding clasp with double safety push-buttons and HEUER logo.

Price: $9,550.00

Reference Number: CAW218G.EB0393

Notes: Limited Edition of 971 pieces, celebrating the partnership with Gulf and the spirit of the 1971 movie *Le Mans*. Caseback features "ONE OF 971" engraving. Launched May 2025.