5 Best TAG Heuer Watches in 2026: Monaco Dark Lord, Monza, Carrera Skipper and More

Few watch brands have a history as closely intertwined with racing as TAG Heuer. From the Monaco watch's square case to the Autavia's racing credentials, the brand's archive is filled with watches that were built around speed, timing, and a healthy disregard for convention. For collectors, that history is part of the attraction. These 5 best Tag Heuer watches stand out not simply because they carry the iconic name, but because each captures a different chapter of the brand's story. 

TAG Heuer Monaco Dark Lord

The Monaco has always been the rebellious one in TAG Heuer's catalogue, and the Monaco Dark Lord takes that attitude even further. The modern special edition, reference CBL2180.FC6497, is a tribute to the rare all-black Monaco of the 1970s, with a 39mm titanium case finished in black DLC and a black dial accented by 18K 5N rose-gold-plated hands and indexes. Inside is TAG Heuer's in-house TH20-00 automatic movement, with an 80-hour power reserve.

Heuer Monza

The Heuer Monza arrived in 1976 after Ferrari won both the Formula One constructors' and drivers' championships. Heuer's relationship with Ferrari was already deeply established, and the new chronograph was created as a celebration of that success. Its black-coated case and racing-inspired dial made it one of the defining Heuer chronographs of the 1970s.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Skipper

The original Heuer Skipper debuted in 1968 following Heuer's involvement with the America's Cup yacht Intrepid. Its modern successor, the Carrera Chronograph Skipper, reference CBS2213.FN6002, revives the distinctive blue, teal, green and orange palette along with its regatta countdown indicator. It runs on the TH20-06 automatic movement and offers an 80-hour power reserve.

Heuer Autavia Viceroy

The Autavia Viceroy Ref. 1163V is one of those watches whose backstory is almost as memorable as the watch itself. Its black dial, white registers and red accents became known as the Viceroy colour scheme, following a 1972 promotional campaign. Today, it has become one of the vintage Heuer models collectors actively seek out.

Heuer Silverstone

Introduced in 1974 as the successor to the Monaco, the Silverstone kept the square-case idea but softened its edges. Its rounded corners, sculpted bezel and colourful dials gave it a distinctly 1970s character. TAG Heuer notes that the original line was produced in a limited run, with blue, smoke and red versions. The Silverstone also has the distinction of being Heuer's first chronograph named after a racetrack, before names such as Monza and Jarama followed.

These aren't simply 5 versions of the same racing chronograph. The Monaco brings attitude, the Monza brings Ferrari, the Skipper brings sailing, the Autavia brings vintage motorsport and the Silverstone brings 1970s design. Together, they show why Heuer's racing-era watches remain so compelling to collectors.

Note: 'Heuer' is retained for the vintage watches, while 'TAG Heuer' is used for modern watches, reflecting the brand's own historical naming.