In its premium mechanical universe, TAG Heuer has the rather rare advantage of possessing two icons: the Carrera and the Monaco. Many brands rely on a single flagship product that is immediately recognizable. TAG Heuer has succeeded in establishing two.
The brand could therefore proudly be content with this achievement, but that would overlook the many other references that have marked a history dating back to 1860. Hence the idea that comes up time and again: never two without three?
From time to time, the manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds therefore attempts to put a third pawn into play. In his day, Guy Sémon’s R&D team bet on the Mikrogirder. Jean-Claude Biver then placed his bet on the Autavia. And the catalog still offers countless possibilities: Silverstone, Kirium, Pasadena, Auto-Graph, Solunar, and many others. But among these contenders, a different model is currently enjoying a revival: the Monza. Why? Because it was launched exactly 50 years ago, in 1976. An anniversary TAG Heuer could not ignore.
Back on Track
The timepiece is unveiled ahead of the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix in... Monza. It is limited to just 500 individually numbered pieces. Its origins have a particularly historic significance. Since 1971, Heuer had been the first brand in the watch industry to partner with a motor racing team, namely Ferrari. Four years later, in 1975, Niki Lauda brought Ferrari its first championship title. The following year, in 1976, Heuer decided to create the Monza collection to celebrate its partnership.
The Monza has since undergone several iterations, the latest being in 2023, when it was redesigned as a contemporary interpretation and fitted with a flyback chronograph. The 2026 version is in fact very heavily inspired by the 2023 model: the same cushion shape, the same 42 mm diameter, and the same material, forged carbon. The 2023 version was skeletonized. The 2026 model features a solid dial. Legibility dominates the composition, with a black dial and large white indexes, accented with touches of red on the rehaut, central hand and chronograph counter at 3 o’clock.
A Price Reduction
The 2026 Monza also features the same movement as the 2023 Monza. It is the COSC-certified Heuer 02 Flyback caliber (identical to the one used in the Autavia COSC Flyback). In 2026, it has been renamed TH20-12, visible through the sapphire caseback, where the column-wheel gears can notably be admired, tinted red (as in 2023).
The two Monza models (2023 and 2026) are the only ones in the TAG Heuer catalog for which the date window is positioned at 9 o’clock rather than at 6 o’clock, as is generally the case. However, the edition presented today does away with the pulsometer featured on the 2023 model. The new Monza therefore has only one scale: the tachymeter, engraved flush with the rehaut. The strap, previously made of fabric, is now offered in perforated leather—the same as on the 39 mm Carrera, a smart choice that will be appreciated by collectors.
One final noteworthy point: the 2023 model was priced at CHF 13,500. In an unusual move, the 2026 model is nearly CHF 1,000 less expensive, at CHF 12,600.
FAQ
What is a flyback chronograph?
A flyback chronograph allows timing to be restarted instantly without stopping and then resetting the chronograph, with a single press. The 2026 TAG Heuer Monza features this function via its Heuer 02 Flyback caliber, which is COSC-certified as a chronometer.
What is the TAG Heuer Monza?
The TAG Heuer Monza is a collection of chronographs created in 1976 to celebrate the brand's partnership with Ferrari in Formula 1. For its 50th anniversary, TAG Heuer is unveiling a 2026 version limited to 500 pieces.
How much does the TAG Heuer Monza cost?
The 2026 TAG Heuer Monza is priced at CHF 12,600, nearly CHF 1,000 less than the 2023 model, which was priced at CHF 13,500. The watch is limited to 500 individually numbered pieces.
What movement powers the 2026 TAG Heuer Monza?
The 2026 TAG Heuer Monza is powered by the TH20-12 caliber, a COSC-certified Heuer 02 Flyback chronometer, visible through the sapphire caseback. It also powers the Autavia COSC Flyback and features red-tinted column-wheel gears.
