For more than a century, the chronograph has remained one of watchmaking’s most celebrated complications. Movements became more refined, materials evolved, and finishing reached extraordinary levels, while the essence of the complication continued to define mechanical precision and performance.
With the new TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph, TAG Heuer introduces a bold new interpretation of the chronograph, combining heritage, innovation, and contemporary engineering.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Presented at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2026, the Monaco Evergraph introduces the new Calibre TH80-00, developed over five years through collaboration between TAG Heuer LAB and Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. At the centre of the movement is a compliant chronograph mechanism that replaces many of the traditional levers and springs found in conventional chronographs with flexible bistable components.
The result is a highly technical and forward-thinking movement that reflects TAG Heuer’s long-standing commitment to chronograph innovation.
A Monaco Designed to Push Boundaries
Since its launch in 1969, the Monaco has occupied a unique place in watchmaking history. It was the world’s first square, water-resistant automatic chronograph and among the first watches powered by a commercially available automatic chronograph movement, the Calibre 11.
Its unconventional design, left-side crown, and close association with motorsport established the Monaco as one of TAG Heuer’s most iconic creations.
More than fifty years later, the Monaco Evergraph continues that pioneering spirit through a new generation of mechanical innovation.
The Calibre TH80-00
Powering the Monaco Evergraph is the new Calibre TH80-00, a high-frequency automatic chronograph movement operating at 5Hz with COSC chronometer certification and a 70-hour power reserve.
The movement also incorporates TAG Heuer’s TH-Carbonspring oscillator, designed to improve resistance to magnetic interference while maintaining chronometric stability.
What defines the TH80-00 is its compliant chronograph mechanism.
Traditional chronographs rely on systems of levers, springs, and cams to control the start, stop, and reset functions. In the Evergraph, TAG Heuer introduces flexible bistable structures manufactured using high-precision LIGA technology.
During the technical presentation, the mechanism demonstrated how the flexible structures deform and instantly return to position during activation. Seeing the mechanism operate in person made it easier to understand how differently the system behaves compared to a traditional chronograph architecture.
Rather than transferring force through multiple mechanical contact points, the system streamlines energy transmission through controlled flexion while delivering an exceptionally crisp and precise chronograph feel.
According to TAG Heuer, the system has been engineered to maintain consistent tactile feedback and chronograph precision over prolonged use, delivering the same sensation from the first activation to the ten-thousandth.
The result is a movement that combines advanced engineering with a distinctly contemporary approach to chronograph design.
Openworked and Architecturally Modern
Visually, the Monaco Evergraph embraces a highly technical identity while preserving the instantly recognisable Monaco silhouette.
The movement features an inverted construction that exposes the barrel, gear train, escapement, and balance directly from the dial side. Transparent dial elements create the impression that the indications are suspended within the case, adding depth and lightness to the display.
TAG Heuer has also redesigned the 40mm Grade 5 titanium case with improved ergonomics while retaining signature Monaco elements including the left-side crown introduced in 1969.
The sharp faceted surfaces and tapered case profile give the watch a striking architectural presence, combining bold geometry with contemporary finishing.
Two Distinct Executions
TAG Heuer is introducing the Monaco Evergraph in two versions.
TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph CEW5180.FT8122
The black DLC-coated Grade 5 titanium model embraces the Monaco’s motorsport-inspired character.
The watch features black DLC-coated bridges, black opaline counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, and red lacquered accents throughout the dial, including the central chronograph hand and hand tips.
The 40mm case is paired with a black rubber strap featuring textile embossing and red stitching, reinforcing the watch’s sporty and technical aesthetic.
TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph CEW5181.FT8123
The second execution offers a tribute to the original Monaco reference 1133B associated with Steve McQueen.
Crafted in natural Grade 5 titanium, the watch features blue opaline counters alongside rhodium-plated hands with red lacquered details.
Combined with the blue rubber strap and exposed movement architecture, the design feels contemporary while still honouring the Monaco’s heritage.
Availability
Both Monaco Evergraph references will be available from April 2026.
Final Thoughts
What makes the Monaco Evergraph especially significant is TAG Heuer’s decision to introduce this entirely new chronograph architecture within one of its most recognisable commercial collections rather than limiting it to a low-production experimental concept.
The Monaco has always represented the brand’s willingness to challenge convention, from the original Calibre 11 in 1969 to the new compliant chronograph mechanism in 2026. With the Evergraph, TAG Heuer is not revisiting the Monaco’s legacy. It is actively expanding it.
