Monaco 2025: A Historic Race and Two Legendary Watches

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©Nathan Blard
1 minute read
Few places in sports carry the kind of magic Monaco does. With its narrow streets, unforgiving barriers, and the sparkling harbor as a backdrop, the Monaco Grand Prix isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of history, courage, and razor-sharp precision. This year, the 2025 edition was even more special: for the first time ever, the event welcomed a title sponsor. Now officially called the Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco, this marks a new chapter, bringing together one of motorsport’s most iconic circuits with one of its most revered watchmakers.
©Nathan Blard

To mark this moment, TAG Heuer unveiled two exclusive watches inspired by its rich racing heritage: the Monaco Chronograph x Gulf and the Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch. Both pieces pay tribute not only to motorsport’s golden era but also to the art of timing — capturing those split seconds that can change everything.

A Race to Remember

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix was an absolute nail-biter from start to finish. The race was a masterclass in strategy and tire management, as teams battled through Monaco’s tight, unforgiving streets.

Lando Norris grabbed pole and didn’t let go, holding off a fierce charge from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by just over three seconds. Norris’s McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri secured third, making it a strong day for McLaren and shaking up the championship battle. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen tried a daring alternate strategy that saw him leading most of the race — until a late pit stop dropped him down to fourth. Lewis Hamilton fought hard to finish fifth despite a tricky grid penalty, and rookie sensation Isack Hadjar impressed by claiming sixth for Racing Bulls.

©Nathan Blard

The Gulf Edition: A Nod to Cinema and Speed

First up, the Monaco Chronograph x Gulf is pure nostalgia and cool. It channels the spirit of Steve McQueen and his iconic role in the 1971 movie Le Mans. Limited to 971 pieces, a deliberate nod to the movie’s release year, this watch brings the past right to your wrist.

The 39mm sandblasted titanium case houses a silver dial with striking blue and orange vertical stripes, echoing the Gulf racing colors seen on McQueen’s Porsche 917K. True to the original, it’s powered by the Calibre 11 movement and keeps the signature left-side crown, a quirky but meaningful nod to its automatic roots.

The strap is a standout — made from Nomex®, the fireproof fabric used in racing suits, sourced from Hinchman, the very company that crafted McQueen’s costume for Le Mans. So it’s more than a watch; it’s a piece of motorsport and film history you can wear.

©Nathan Blard

The Stopwatch Edition: Pure Racing Precision

If the Gulf model is about Hollywood glam and endurance racing flair, the Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch is all about raw function and old-school racing style. Inspired by the classic Heuer stopwatches used on race circuits in the ‘60s and ‘70s before digital timing, this limited edition of 970 pieces has a black and silver dial with high-contrast white subdials and a vibrant red minute track.

Its black DLC titanium case adds a modern, stealthy vibe, while the red chronograph hand grabs your eye instantly. Powered by the Calibre 11, it beats with the same precision that launched the Monaco legend back in 1969.

The design is unmistakably Monaco — square case, left crown — but updated for today, with every detail sharpened for readability. After all, when milliseconds matter, clarity isn’t optional.

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Timing and Legacy Hand in Hand

Both watches tell a story: TAG Heuer isn’t just about making timepieces, it’s about capturing moments of daring, speed, and rebellion. Whether it’s the Gulf edition’s link to McQueen’s racing legend or the Stopwatch’s tribute to the era of manual timing, these watches connect generations of motorsport fans.

They also highlight TAG Heuer’s renewed bond with Formula 1, now the title sponsor of the Monaco Grand Prix. It’s a partnership built on shared values — tradition, innovation, and flawless timing under pressure.

©Nathan Blard

Final Lap

Priced at CHF 9,500 for the Gulf and CHF 9,600 for the Stopwatch, these aren’t just collector’s items, they’re tools and tributes rolled into one, celebrating one of the world’s most iconic races. The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix showed that history keeps being written on those narrow streets.

Thanks to TAG Heuer, now you can carry a piece of that story right on your wrist.

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