Introducing: TAG Heuer Launches Two New Monaco Chronographs, Both Skeletonized With Titanium Cases, But One Made With “Laser Melting”

So what is SLM? TAG says it’s a process that adds and builds material rather than traditional case making, which uses a solid block of material and a CNC machine to remove material. SLM starts with powdered metal, such as aluminum or, in this case, Grade-5 titanium, and then blasts it with a laser, melting and fusing the powder. The process is repeated, adding layer after layer and guided by a three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) program and plan. The result is a 41 millimeter case with solid gold elements that weighs just 85 grams. 

The movement is a Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier-partnership Calibre TH81-00—a lightweight, high-frequency (5 Hz), automatic split-seconds chronograph with 55–65 hours of power reserve depending on chrono use. The skeletonized and hyper-cased ‘Air’ follows the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1, introduced earlier this year, which used the same movement. The split-seconds, also known as a rattrapante, allows the user to time two elements (race cars, for example) that start at the same time but finish at different times. Visible on the sapphire dial that shows off all of the open work elements, it’s, no doubt, a useful tool around the track.