Sameera Gamage 
Racing heritage meets modern refinement in the latest TAG Heuer Monaco X Gulf. With a lightweight titanium case and a bold new dial, this limited edition chronograph captures the spirit of Le Mans in every detail!
In a bold new look that is a striking homage to its motorsport heritage, TAG Heuer has unveiled the latest iteration of the Monaco Chronograph x Gulf. This timepiece seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with contemporary craftsmanship and is limited to 971 models, a nod to the 1971 film Le Mans. This special edition watch celebrates the iconic partnership between TAG Heuer and Gulf Oil, which has been immortalised by Steve McQueen’s portrayal of Michael Delaney.
The partnership between TAG Heuer and Gulf Oil is a celebration of shared legacies in motorsport and precision engineering. Gulf Oil, with its distinctive livery featuring light blue and bright orange colours, became a symbol of racing excellence in the 1960s and 1970s. The brand has notably sponsored the Ford GT40 and Porsche 917K, two racing cars that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The racing heritage of Gulf Oil was further cemented when Steve McQueen drove a Gulf-liveried Porsche 917 K, while also wearing the TAG Heuer Monaco on his wrist. This cinematic moment not only forged the enduring connection between the two brands but also served as the inspiration for Gulf-inspired Monaco timepieces.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph X Gulf was released at a defining moment for TAG Heuer. The timepiece was released prior to the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix last weekend, where TAG Heuer was the official timekeeper of the race. What made this event even more special was the fact that for the very first time, the iconic race featured the name of the title partner, with the official name now being Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco.
This latest version of the Monaco Chronograph X Gulf might just be my favourite to date. The refreshed colour scheme offers a fresh new look while staying true to the essence of both TAG Heuer and Gulf Oil’s iconic legacy. It’s noticeably sportier than previous editions, with the crisp silver dial acting as the perfect canvas for the bold racing accents, making this timepiece feel as if it belongs on the track just as much as it does on the wrist!
Case Design
TAG Heuer presents the latest Monaco Chronograph X Gulf in a sandblasted grade-2 titanium case, featuring a tactile matte finish inspired by the workshops and paddocks of race car enthusiasts. The case design is leaning towards the original Monaco with its 39mm size, which also provides for a more comfortable fit on the wrist. Using a grade-2 titanium case also means that the watch is significantly lighter than its stainless steel counterparts, while maintaining excellent durability and resistance to corrosion, ideal for daily wear or high-octane weekends alike.
Monaco’s signature design, featuring the crown on the left and two slanted chronograph pushers, gives the watch a distinct asymmetrical aesthetic that sets it apart from other traditional chronographs. This layout is not only purposeful, but also instantly recognisable, reinforcing the Monaco’s status as one of the most iconic square-case watches ever made!
Dial Design
As mentioned earlier, this is one of my favourite Monaco x Gulf versions of late, all thanks to the beautiful fine grained silver dial being the perfect backdrop for the colourful details on the dial. And its not just the colours, but also the amount of colours used that makes this dial visually aesthetic. The black details from the dual-chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock to the minute track and hour indices are easy to read thanks to the perfect contrast.
Then we have the Gulf Oil liviery colours, shown through the two vertical stripes, the chronograph hand and the Gulf logo above the date window at 6 o’clock. The bordered date window is also another feature I have to give props to for it’s execution. With the date wheel being colour matched to the dial, it allows it to seamlessly blend in. The border of the date window also perfectly matches with the bordered vintage Heuer logo, one that is reserved only for timepeices that revisit the rich heritage of the brand.
The balanced placement of all these elements gives the dial a clean yet eye-catching layout, ensuring that it never feels overcrowded. The Gulf Oil liviery colours are done just right to have the right pop of energy without overwhelming the rest of the design. When all the details come together, it strikes the perfect balance of nostalgic, sporty and refined all at once, making it not just easy on the eyes and exciting to wear, but one of my favourite Monaco timepeices so far!
Movement
The engine behind this latest Monaco Chornograph X Gulf is none other than the legendary Calibre 11, a movement that holds a special place in the world of horology. The Calibre 11 was first introduced in 1969 as one of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements. The modern-day version of the Calibre 11 continues on the legacy of the original, with it’s distinctive left-hand crown layout.
While the original Calibre 11 was a collaborative project between Heuer, Breitling, Buren and Dubois-Dépraz, the modern Calibre 11 is a modular movement, which features a Sellita SW300-1 base with a Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module. This offers the Calibre 11 movement more improved reliability and serviceability. The movement operates at a high frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 VpH) while providing a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The open caseback gives a view of the movement, which is adorned with Côtes de Genève stripes and features a bold red Heuer logo, while the bridges exhibit perlage decoration, showcasing TAG Heuer’s craftsmanship.
Initial Thoughts
In a world where reissues are becoming more and more common, TAG Heuer has managed to keep the Monaco x Gulf series feeling new, with exciting and bold aesthetic looks. This latest version of the iconic timepiece isn’t just a tribute to the past; it modernises the watch in all the right ways. The lightweight grade-2 titanium case makes it more durable and resilient compared to standard stainless steel, while also being lighter on the wrist for a more comfortable wear. The silver dial with the vibrant Gulf Oil liviery colours makes the timepiece stand out in all the right ways, making this a watch that is a statement not just for the wearer but for those who know its backstory.
As mentioned throughout, this, for me, is one of the most well-executed modern Monaco Gulf editions to date. It’s a timepiece that leans into the sports watch aesthetics. It combines heritage, racing culture and bold design into one, making it feel just as at home in the pit lane as it does paired on the wrist for everyday wear. This isn’t just another chronograph; it’s celebrating the legacy of one of the most iconic chronographs in the world of horology.
Specification: TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf (CAW218G.EB0393)
- Dimensions: 39mm X 15mm thick
- Case Material: Sandblasted grade-2 titanium fine brushed case
- Dial: Silver fine-grained dial with blue and orange stripes (Gulf Oil liviery inspired)
- Water Resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic Calibre 11
- Movement Power reserve: Approx. 40 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire with Anti-reflective Treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: White textile pattern fabric strap with titanium double-security folding clasp.
