SAVOIR FAIRE Everything you need to know about the Calibre TH20-11, the new movement powering the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph

The Calibre TH20-11 is TAG Heuer’s new in-house manufacture movement, developed specifically for the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph. ‘’TH20’’ refers to our family of in-house chronograph movements (where TH stands for TAG Heuer), while ‘’-11’’ refers to this specific version of the movement with crown on the left, a nod to the historic Calibre 11.

The Calibre TH20-11 is a brand-new manufacture chronograph movement, derived from our Calibre TH20-00. This new version took a couple of years to develop to rework the displays and winding system with its crown in the left.

Unlike the Calibre 11 (1969), which relied on a modular construction combining a Buren base movement with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module, the Calibre TH20-11 adopts an integrated architecture. It extends the legacy of the original movement, while elevating its technical approach, demonstrating the chronograph expertise of the Maison.

The Calibre TH20-11 delivers an 80-hour power reserve. It features an integrated chronograph construction, with a column-wheel based mechanism, ensuring smooth and precise chronograph activation.

The Calibre TH20-11 represents a clear technical departure from the Calibre 11, replacing its modular construction with a fully integrated chronograph architecture.

Compared to the Calibre TH20-00, it represents an evolution rather than a complete break—combining technical refinement with aesthetic continuity in line with the spirit of the TAG Heuer Monaco.

Indeed, the Calibre TH20-11 features a crown on the left side of the case and a two-register display on the dial, signature traits of the TAG Heuer Monaco.

Originally dictated by the architecture of the Calibre 11, the left-positioned crown quickly became a deliberate statement in 1969, highlighting the movement’s nature and signaling the wearer the watch didn’t need to be wound every day.

It has since evolved into one of the defining signatures of the TAG Heuer Monaco. Today, it is less a technical constraint than a conscious design choice, fully integrated into the model’s identity.

At the time of its launch in 1969, the Calibre 11 was featured in three distinct collections: the Heuer Carrera and the Heuer Autavia, which already existed prior to this movement, and the Heuer Monaco, which was specifically released for this occasion.

The Heuer Monaco gained global recognition when Steve McQueen wore the timepiece in the film Le Mans, cementing its status as a watchmaking icon.

Today, the Calibre TH20-11 powers the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph, preserving the model’s essential design codes while elevating them to contemporary performance standards.

At this stage, the Calibre TH20-11 is exclusively fitted to the new generation of TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph models.

The Calibre TH20-11 enhances everyday performance: an extended 80-hour power reserve, smooth chronograph operation, and enhanced reliability with its bidirectional winding.

There are no requirements. Like any high-end mechanical movement, a service every four to five years is recommended to ensure long-term precision, reliability, and longevity.