What We Know
This weekend, Formula 1 returns to Ferrari’s home track (for the series, at least) of Monza, and with that return, TAG Heuer is releasing a new version of the eponymous Monza Flyback Chronograph. The watch was originally released in 1976 to celebrate Ferrari’s return to the top with the constructors’ and drivers’ Formula 1 championships, with its black-coated case setting the stage not only for the model’s future but also for similar releases from Heuer (and later TAG Heuer). A Monza isn’t a Monza unless it’s black, so this new release fits the remit perfectly: a 42mm by 15.22mm case in forged carbon, with red accents on the dial.
Often known as the Niki Lauda (after the driver who won the title in 1976), the original watch featured a lot of red (and was reissued over a decade ago), though the dial layout has changed significantly from the original. This time, that red has been swapped around, with accents on the minute-counting and chronograph hands, the combination pulsometer and tachymeter flange scale, and the flyback mark at 6 o’clock. The date is still included, moved to 9 o’clock (which in turn puts running seconds at 6 o’clock), but with an angled window. The indices are all printed, and the hands and hour markers use white Super-LumiNova.
The watch is powered by the COSC-certified Caliber TH20-12 automatic movement, running at 4Hz. TAG Heuer didn’t provide specifications here, but past versions of the Monza with this movement had an 80-hour power reserve. The red from the front carries over to the caseback, with red text on the rotor and a red column wheel for the chronograph. The caseback is actually black DLC titanium, in grade 2, screwed down to the midcase. The pushers are black DLC steel, while the crown, at 3 o’clock instead of 9 o’clock on the original, is made of carbon. The caseback also features a numbered engraving for the limited edition.
The new TAG Heuer Monza Flyback is limited to 500 numbered pieces and is available now at retailers worldwide. The retail price is $13,400.
What We Think
I’ve always appreciated the quirkiness of the vintage Monza (and the faithful 2014 reissue). However, I understand that quirkiness doesn’t necessarily sell 500 watches, especially not at this price. This seems more aligned with what you’d need to do for a more commercial release aimed at a wider audience. The price, however, is tough to swallow for the enthusiast space, which has become increasingly price-sensitive while overall retail prices have ballooned over the last few years. The last carbon Monza in 2023 was only a few hundred dollars more, and it was skeletonized. You can also find it for less on the secondary market right now. Tudor’s Carbon 26 retails for $8,625, though it lacks a flyback function.
That said, I’ve spent some time with modern TAG Heuer collectors, and they get really excited for watches like this. Who am I to blame them, as a fan of blacked-out cases myself? I don’t expect to see these flying off the shelves for the average enthusiast, but I don’t think you’ll find them sitting around for years, given the interesting case execution and the specific following that exists for the Monza and its past iterations.
The Basics
Brand: TAG Heuer
Model: Monza Flyback Chronograph
Reference Number: CR5092.FC8372
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 15.22mm
Case Material: Forged Carbon
Dial Color: Black matte dial
Indexes: Printed, with black flange with pulsometer and tachymeter
Lume: White Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Black perforated calfskin leather strap with red stitching; Black DLC titanium-grade 2 sandblasted folding clasp with double safety push buttons
The Movement
Caliber: Caliber TH20-12
Functions: Hours, minutes, flyback chronograph, 30-minute counter, running seconds, and date
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4Hz
Chronometer Certified: Yes, COSC
Pricing & Availability
Price: $13,400
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 500 pieces
For more, click here.
