2026 TAG Heuer Monaco TH20-11, titanium case, 39mm size. Its crown is located on the left side of the case, featuring a "left-hand crown" layout. The original Monaco released in 1969 featured a crown on the left; the new-generation TAG Heuer Monaco replica with the TH20-11 movement maintains this same configuration, staying true to the vintage model.
The 1969 Monaco featured TAG Heuer’s first automatic chronograph movement, the Calibre 11—developed jointly by TAG Heuer, Breitling, and Hamilton—which utilized a micro-rotor combined with a chronograph module. To emphasize its automatic winding capability, the crown was deliberately placed on the left side, signaling that manual winding was unnecessary. This design feature has endured to the present day; indeed, one could argue that the Monaco with the left-hand crown is the "true" Monaco.
The new-generation Monaco TH20-11 features some adjustments. First, the logo on the new Monaco is the shield-shaped "TAG HEUER" emblem. In contrast, the earlier "left-hand crown" Monaco models bore only the "HEUER" name, omitting "TAG." This is because the TAG Group acquired Heuer in 1986—subsequently rebranding as TAG Heuer—so many Monaco models retained only the "HEUER" logo to remain faithful to the original historical design. It features two sub-dials—a small seconds dial on the left and a 30-minute chronograph counter on the right—marking a departure from previous Monaco models. Additionally, on this new-generation Monaco, the sub-dials are recessed and feature distinctly beveled edges, a design detail not found on earlier versions.
The most significant update to the new-generation Monaco TH20-11 is the transition of the entire lineup to titanium cases. While the extensive Monaco family has previously featured models in titanium, ceramic, and carbon fiber, the "authentic" lineage—particularly "left-hand crown" variants—had historically adhered to the original vintage design by retaining the standard steel case. The shift to titanium across the entire range comes as a genuine surprise. This change significantly reduces the watch's weight, offering a more comfortable wearing experience compared to the steel version. Naturally, the titanium case has a slightly greyer appearance than the silvery steel one.
The in-house TH20 series automatic chronograph movement was developed under the leadership of Carole Forestier-Kasapi—a renowned Swiss watchmaker and TAG Heuer’s Movement Director—as an evolution of the Calibre 02. It features a combination of a column wheel and a vertical clutch; the vertical clutch is positioned next to the central rotor and is visible through an opening in the bridge. Key highlights of the movement include an 80-hour power reserve, high reliability, and extended service intervals, all backed by a five-year warranty. The TH20 movement has now been fully rolled out across TAG Heuer’s flagship collections, the Carrera and the Monaco.
