TAG Heuer Celebrates 50 Years of the Monza with a New Flyback Chronograph

Fifty years after its debut, TAG Heuer is marking the anniversary of the Monza with a new limited-edition chronograph. Presented ahead of the Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio d’Italia 2026 in Monza, the Monza Flyback Chronograph combines design cues from the original 1976 model with the contemporary materials and mechanics of the current collection. Limited to 500 numbered pieces, the watch features a forged carbon case and TAG Heuer’s TH20-12 manufacture movement with flyback function.

Born from Formula 1

The Monza’s history is closely linked to TAG Heuer’s motorsport heritage. In 1971, Heuer became the Official Timekeeper of Scuderia Ferrari, establishing an early connection between the Swiss watchmaker and Formula 1. Four years later, Niki Lauda won the Formula 1 World Championship with Ferrari, its first Drivers’ title since 1964. To celebrate the achievement, Heuer introduced the Monza in 1976. The chronograph quickly became recognizable for its distinctive racing-inspired design. For its 50th anniversary, TAG Heuer builds on the contemporary Monza Flyback Chronograph introduced in 2023 while incorporating visual references to the original model.

Forged Carbon for an Authentic Racing Look

The 42mm cushion-shaped case is made from forged carbon, a material valued for its combination of strength and low weight, both on the race track and on the wrist. Its characteristic marbled appearance also means that each case has an individual surface pattern. Water-resistant to 100 meters, it features sapphire crystals on the front and back.

The black matte dial draws on the color scheme of the original 1976 Monza. Its two black counters display the chronograph minutes at 3 o’clock and running seconds at 6 o’clock, with red lacquered hands adding contrast. A matching red central hand tracks the chronograph seconds, while white hands and indexes coated with Superluminova ensure readability. An angled date aperture appears at 9 o’clock, and the surrounding black flange combines tachymeter and pulsometer scales.

Flyback Chronograph Movement

Visible through the sapphire crystal case back is the COSC-certified TAG Heuer Calibre TH20-12. The automatic manufacture movement features a flyback chronograph, allowing a timing sequence to be stopped, reset and restarted with a single push of the flyback function. The specification is complemented by a black DLC titanium-grade 2 case back engraved with the individual limited-edition number from XXX/500.

A Racing-Inspired Strap

Completing the anniversary model is a black perforated calfskin leather strap with contrasting red stitching. It is secured by a black DLC titanium-grade 2 sandblasted folding clasp with double safety push-buttons. The TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronograph is available this month as a limited edition of 500 numbered pieces. The estimated retail price is CHF 12,600 in Switzerland and $13,400 in the U.S.