TAG Heuer Monza Chronograph - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

TAG Heuer Monza Chronograph is a model launched in 1976 to celebrate Ferrari and Niki Lauda’s 1975 F1 titles, debuting a blackened cushion case and race-ready legibility that define a lineage repeatedly reinterpreted—from the 2000s re-editions (Calibre 36 and Calibre 17) to the dramatic 2023 carbon Flyback Chronometer.

Design & legibility: the model’s identity

Instrument-style dials with two or three registers (depending on versions), useful peripheral scales (tachymeter and sometimes pulsometer) and high-contrast black/red/blue racing cues shape Monza’s identity; dial aperture is generous and the cushion geometry softens edges for assertive yet wearable presence, with bold hands and crisp markers enabling instant reading on the move, so that the cushion case plus functional scales is the visual code that makes a Monza instantly recognisable.

Case, strap and daily comfort

Historically black-PVD and later offered in steel, grade-5 titanium (2016) and forged carbon (2023), the case sits around 42 mm across generations, typically 100 m water-resistant, with straight pushers and short lugs that stabilise the watch on perforated leather or technical textile; a knurled crown, domed sapphire and modern screwed backs complete the spec, while the low mass of titanium and carbon improves long-wear balance and under-cuff ease, meaning a 42 mm Monza on leather or textile blends presence, lightness and wrist stability.

Movement: architecture, performance and care

The line has housed notable engines: Calibre 36 (Zenith El Primero base, 36,000 vph) circa 2001–2011, Calibre 17 (ETA 2894-2) for the 2016 Heritage, then Heuer 02 Flyback (column wheel + vertical clutch, ~80 h) in 2023; these architectures target stable rate and crisp pusher feel, with typical 4–6-year service intervals under normal wear and regular seal checks after case/strap work, such that the Heuer 02 Flyback’s column-wheel/vertical-clutch pairing delivers repeatable action with generous autonomy.

Timeline & main models (1976–2025)

(1976) Heuer Monza Black PVD “Racing”:

The inaugural Monza named after the Italian circuit, celebrating Ferrari/Lauda’s 1975 triumph: compact black-PVD cushion case, high-contrast dial and functional racing scales designed for swift reading at speed. It set a vocabulary distinct from purely classical chronographs, embracing motorsport as both use-case and aesthetic.

(2001) TAG Heuer Monza Calibre 36 “El Primero”:

A neo-vintage re-edition with steel cushion case around 39–40 mm, powered by Calibre 36 (Zenith El Primero base, 36,000 vph). Clean silver or black dials and lively seconds yield a more horological proposition, often with display back and alligator strap. Hugely popular among “youngtimer” fans, it positioned Monza as a racier alternative to round chronographs; a widely cited reference for this cycle is TAG Heuer Monza CR5110.

(2003) TAG Heuer Monza Calibre 36 “Re-Edition”:

A variation pairing a 1930s-inspired dial to the cushion case, still with Calibre 36 and a shirt-friendly profile. Readability stays high thanks to crisp markers and balanced aperture, while the retro-sport mood amplifies the line’s racing DNA. This series shows how heritage styling met modern specs (sapphire, improved water-resistance) across multiple colours; you’ll frequently encounter the identifier TAG Heuer Monza CR5110 or close derivatives depending on market and year.

(2011) TAG Heuer Monza Calibre 36 “Heritage”:

Another Calibre 36 iteration with dial/hands echoing 1930s chronographs, striking a refined balance between atelier spirit and everyday wear. Comfort improved via better straps and rising perceived quality, while water-resistance remained city-appropriate. Given reference dispersion across public databases, we retain TAG Heuer Monza CR5110 as a typical marker for the Calibre 36 cycle.

(2016) TAG Heuer Monza Heritage Calibre 17 (40th Anniversary):

Anniversary edition with 42 mm grade-5 titanium cushion case in black PVD, bi-compax dial, tachy/pulso scales and domed sapphire; it fuses “Dark Lord” looks with lighter modern wear, adds 100 m water-resistance and a snappy pusher feel. The bi-compax layout with date at 4:30 typifies Calibre 17, and the most-quoted production reference is TAG Heuer Monza CR2080.FC6375.

(2023) TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer (carbon):

A striking contemporary take: ultra-light 42 mm carbon case, DLC steel pushers/crown, PVD titanium back, skeletonised black dial with blue accents, tachy/pulso flange, 100 m WR and COSC-certified Heuer 02 Flyback (~80 h). The column-wheel/vertical-clutch architecture enhances feel; it ships on technical textile with carbon clasp. The brand-spotlighted variant is TAG Heuer Monza CR5090.FN6001.

Buying advice: size, variants, straps & uses

For an all-round daily, target the ~42 mm cushion with high-contrast dial and 100 m WR, favouring perforated leather or technical textile that hugs the wrist; if you want the sweet spot of style/comfort, the 2016 titanium Heritage is a safe pick. The generous aperture works under a jacket, and legibility is excellent at the desk and after hours.

If you crave silky pusher feel and long reserve, the 2023 Flyback brings the tech while reducing wrist mass (carbon); try the lug drop and on-wrist visual width against your wrist size, as the cushion geometry reads larger than a round 42 mm. Movement-minded collectors will love the Calibre 36 (2001–2011) for its 5 Hz beat and singular place in the LVMH era; check service history and water-resistance if buying pre-owned, as these pieces are sought after.

Conclusion

From the black-PVD racer of 1976 to the carbon Flyback of 2023, Monza embodies a pilot’s chronograph that is readable, energetic and instantly recognisable by its cushion case and useful scales; it suits enthusiasts who want F1 heritage they can wear daily, with clear choices: 2016 Heritage for versatility, 2023 Flyback for technical appeal, Calibre 36 for high-frequency thrills. To fine-tune your pick, rely on Dialicious customer reviews to validate comfort, legibility and lifestyle fit.

(Updated September 2025)