At Baselworld this year, Tag Heuer’s standout piece was the Monaco V4 Flying Tourbillon. Technically, it is the world’s first tourbillon watch driven by belts. Aesthetically, the watch features two V-shaped bridges that emphasize the dial’s dynamic impact, making it a highly iconic design.
The case is crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, and the “space-window” sapphire crystal allows a side view of the movement in action. Compared to the original V4, the new movement boldly emphasizes the V-shaped symmetry, with the two bridges and tourbillon becoming the most striking elements on the dial.
The movement bridges feature Côtes de Genève decoration, while the V4 and Tag Heuer logos are positioned at opposite corners. These refinements demonstrate the maturity of the V4 development team — while the first V4 was an engineer’s masterpiece, this tourbillon combines traditional watchmaking aesthetics with innovative spirit.
Although a tourbillon is inherently complex, it is relatively straightforward compared to the V4’s precision belt-driven system. The core technology remains the 0.07mm transmission belts and linear winding system. It offers a 40-hour power reserve, though 72 hours would have been ideal.
The original V4 was priced at $100,000, while this tourbillon is $170,000 (≈150,000 CHF).
The Monaco V4 was first conceptualized in 2004, launched as a prototype in 2009, and now, ten years later, this tourbillon demonstrates Tag Heuer’s continuous innovation in haute horlogerie.
MONACO V4 Flying Tourbillon
Titanium case, 41×41mm, sapphire crystal, sapphire caseback, caliber 3186 movement, 46 jewels, 28,800 vph, 40-hour power reserve, alligator strap, titanium buckle, water-resistant 50m.
Complication: Tourbillon
