FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TAG Heuer Monaco Rattrapante 'Air 1' Limited Edition

 

I'll admit I haven't exactly been complimentary about the previous Monaco Rattrapantes. Obviously I haven't seen one in person and it's entirely possible that they are one of those watches that just doesn't photograph well (much like the Grand Carrera), but until now I've found them spectacularly unappealing, despite several different colour combinations being released. But now TAG Heuer have given us this new $150,000 limited edition (30pcs) and if nothing else they've certainly improved it's kerb appeal.

But it's more than just a new colour combo (and black and gold is almost always a winner), because this one has been redesigned to mimic the look of an imaginary supercar, taking design cues from said car including all the grilles and shapes you'd expect to find on a Lamborghini cum Ferrari cum Aston Martin.

TAG Heuer say they have used a laser to fabricate the gold 'grilles' found around the edges of this model and I honestly think it looks fantastic. I'm not sure how they have done that and managed to keep some level of water resistance (actually only 30M, so no more than walking in drizzle...) but they have, so I imagine the grills are just decoration in front of something a little more solid.   

I find it incredible that with some fairly minor cosmetic changes they've managed to turn what really was rather an ugly looking watch into one of the best looking watches of 2025. The price is still beyond justification, a Rattrapante is simply not that expensive to make and can be had for much, much less in other (better) brands, but if you're a TAG Heuer junkie and you want the ultimate (current) model then this is what you choose.

Personally I could only afford the strap, which ironically is one of the best parts of the update. I love this futuristic design and it goes perfectly with the watch. It would be interesting to see it on the other models I think as it might improve their looks a little bit too.

I also like the solid gold pusher on the left hand side, but I'm still not keen on the area around the crown and the crown itself. It looks like a little bit like some kind of Lego spaceship, but overall it's still a huge improvement and I think I'm going to give it a slightly generous 8/10.

 

I do have one question though. Given that TAG Heuer are currently collaborating with Porsche, why did they need to create an 'imaginary' supercar to base this one on? Admittedly it looks more Aston Martin or Lamborghini than Porsche in design, and it doesn't bother me because I couldn't really care two hoots about Porsche, but it seems a little strange. Just think how much extra they could have charged if it had Porsche engraved in the crystal or something...

I'm sure the Council will have mixed views about this one, but I've definitely noticed some positive comments mixed in amongst the usual withering apathy. 🤣 Truth be told I'm still a little shocked by the score they (collectively) gave the Las Vegas Carrera. There's no way on Earth that is worse than the cream coloured Kith Formula 1 or the Riviera Monaco. Personally I think they've become a little bit heavy handed with their 1/10s lately; hopefully they will be mindful of this in the coming weeks as they fill in their end of year scores.

8/10: "Very attractive case design, can't wait for the additive manufacturing to trickle down to more-reasonably-priced models. Loses a point for the sorta-skeletonized dial, which makes the watch harder to read."

4/10: "A lot of detail going on here and I can appreciate that. I have to give it a 4/10 because of how hideous it is."

8/10: "These colours and the gold elements all work well for me. Well done."

1/10: "Not a fan of any of these Rattrapante Monaco’s, especially given the insane prices. Someone tell TAG the Emperor has no clothes."

7/10: "Very much going on here. It looks interesting and futuristic. But somehow too playful, almost childish. I like the simpler designs better."

8/10: "But I’ve ordered 29 of them so might be a 11/10."

1/10: "What is that? It's ridiculous!!!!"

8/10: "This watch is designed with motor sports in mind, and as a special piece, it has a high degree of perfection and a good impression."

9/10: "A very interesting watch, definitely "haute horologie". Impressive in all respects, including the price!"

3/10: "‘Laser-focused’ I lost my focus on this one.."

2/10: "I still do not like the looks of any Monaco Rattrapante release."

2/10: "Looks like a gargoyle. 😱"

8.5/10: "Previous Monaco Rattrapantes (red, blue, white) were between 7/10 and 8/10 for me, and this black & gold “JPS” 😉 version is now my favourite of them all, so it’s a 8.5/10."

0/10: "0MFG, I like an industrial design but what the hell is that!?! Yes, that is a zero in 0MFG…for obvious reasons…"

7/10: "I regret selling my unconventional Monaco. I think this should get 7/10 at least. I don't 'like it' per se. But as with all these "weird" Monacos, they will all gone after some time. so if you like it, you better get it now."

8/10: "This is gorgeous. Just enough gold and the strap detail is interesting."

6/10: "Black and gold work very well together as proven here. Seems a bit more legible compared to the previous ones and overall more aesthetically pleasing."