What is the Tag Heuer Monaco Speed 12?
TAG Heuer’s new Monaco Speed 12 combines the brand’s square shaped motorsport and cinematic icon with an open-worked dial whose twelve rotating hour pistons evoke the mechanical symphony of a 12-cylinder engine, typically found in high-performance cars.
“At the intersection of daring and mastery, Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer unveils the TAG Heuer Monaco Speed 12, a timepiece that channels the adrenaline of the racetrack into the precision of high-end watchmaking. Debuting at the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco 2026, this limited-edition timepiece captures TAG Heuer’s enduring connection to speed, performance, and mechanical excellence. From Steve McQueen racing around the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans in 1970 to Max Verstappen commanding the racetrack today, TAG Heuer has consistently embodied the heartbeat of motorsport.”
Also Read: TAG Heuer unveils the tempting new Monaco Chronograph
What are its dial features?
It features an open-worked dial. The central part is rhodium-plated with vertical lines. The central bridge perimeter features polished bevels. The black opaline minute ring features a white minute scale and a polished rhodium-plated ring. The skeletonised minute hand is fine-brushed. The twelve rotating hour pistons are rhodium-plated with a sandblasted finish.
“As the minute hand completes a full rotation around the dial, a precise sequence unfolds: one piston returns to its initial stance, while the following one executes a precise 90-degree turn, unveiling a previously concealed facet indicating the hour, resulting in a dynamic display of time.”
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Does it feature a Spin Time movement?
Yes. It is powered by Calibre TH84-00, an automatic movement “developed and produced by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, drawing on their watchmaking expertise from high-end movement development to fine finishing. TAG Heuer has reinterpreted the iconic Spin Time movement developed by Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, founders and Master Watchmakers of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vouitton.”
It comprises 35 jewels, beats at a modern frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and delivers a power reserve of 45 hours.
La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton is behind the revival of the DANIEL ROTH and Gerald Génta brands. Models such as the DANIEL ROTH Tourbillon Platinum and Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton and the Gérald Genta Time Only are few of their creations.
What are its case and strap features?
Its case is made from grade-5 titanium, featuring a fine-brushed, polished and sand-blasted finish, with a fixed sapphire bezel. It measures 40 mm (diameter). The front side features a beveled and domed sapphire crystal. The grade-5 titanium screwed caseback features a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 30 metres.
The watch comes with a black rubber strap featuring textile embossing and red hand-stitching fitted with a grade-5 titanium folding clasp, fine-brushed and polished. The folding clasp features double safety push-buttons.
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What do we think?
TAG Heuer has been on a roll recently. They know how to design and craft exciting watches at largely accessible prices. Few watch brands can equal their motorsport heritage. At present, the brand is the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1®. Their booth during Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2025 as well as two months ago was among the busiest. It was also a pilgrimage for automotive enthusiasts, especially during last year where they displayed a F1 championship winning car driven by the late Ayrton Senna.
Their recently launched Monaco Chronograph was among my favourite launches from Geneva. I was equally impressed with the innovative new Monaco Evergraph, with its “one-of-a-kind compliant chronograph mechanism built with flexible components,” that “reimagines both the functionality and tactility of actuation of the chronograph complication.”
The Monaco Speed 12 further elevates the brand’s motorsport and horological credentials. The iconic Monaco becomes a visual showcase celebrating the 12-cylinder engine powered by a sophisticated haute-horology movement.
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Additional Details
Name: Monaco Speed 12
Reference: WBW2180.FT8133
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 70,000
Limited edition of 50 individually numbered pieces.
Please visit tagheuer.com to learn more about the Monaco Speed 12.
