The TAG Heuer Monaco collection continues to serve as a platform for some of the brand’s most unconventional creations.
Presented during the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco 2026 weekend, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Speed 12 takes inspiration from high-performance twelve-cylinder engines and translates it into an unusual display mechanism developed in collaboration with La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
While retaining the characteristic square architecture associated with the Monaco since its introduction in 1969, the new model adopts a highly mechanical and openworked execution centred around a novel interpretation of the jumping-hour display.
Twelve rotating elements shaped like engine pistons are arranged around the dial, each bearing an engraved Arabic numeral.
As the central minute hand completes a full revolution, one piston returns to its resting position while the next rotates through 90 degrees to reveal the current hour, creating a dynamic display intended to evoke the firing sequence of a V12 engine.
The mechanism is driven by the automatic Calibre TH84-00, developed and manufactured by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Operating at a frequency of hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), it offer a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
Based on the patented Spin Time architecture created by master watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, the movement has been adapted for TAG Heuer to power this distinctive hour display while maintaining automatic winding.
The 40 mm case is crafted from Grade 5 titanium with alternating brushed and polished finishes.
Four black DLC-coated openworked arches positioned at the corners suspend the circular movement within the square case, adding depth while emphasising the contrast between the movement’s round architecture and the Monaco’s square geometry.
A fixed sapphire bezel along with a domed sapphire crystal and sapphire caseback provide unobstructed views of the movement and its rotating displays.
Water resistance is rated to 30 metres / 100 feet.
The openworked dial combines several contrasting finishes.
The central section is rhodium-plated and decorated with vertical grooves reminiscent of engine covers, while the twelve rotating hour pistons feature sandblasted surfaces with satin-finished detailing and black lacquer-filled numerals.
The black opaline minute track is marked by white minute graduations and red square indexes, while the skeletonised central minute hand features a red lacquered tip.
A rhodium-plated TAG Heuer logo completes the display.
The watch is fitted with a black rubber strap featuring a textile-style embossing and red hand-stitching, secured by a Grade 5 titanium folding clasp with double safety push-buttons.
Produced in a limited edition of 50 individually numbered pieces, the TAG Heuer Monaco Speed 12, reference WBW2180.FT8133, will be available from December 2026. The watch is priced at CHF 70,000, / €77,000 / US$87,000. tagheuer.com
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