TAG Heuer has launched a Special Edition of the iconic timepiece which shares its name with the famous F1 race. Joining together modern materials and a historic lineage, this is a timeless racing chronograph.
Retro, yet cutting edge
Announced in the brand’s Swiss home last month, TAG Heuer has revealed that the new edition was inspired by the Monaco of the 1970s. Like its 1969 predecessor, the refreshed model challenges every aspect of watchmaking. This was, after all, among the very first of the automatic chronographs; a cutting edge design in a brilliant blue, rather than the traditional monochrome, its colour was accented in bold red accents. This was also the first square chronograph and featured an innovative waterproof case. Later, the Monaco sported a matte black case and dial of the “Dark Lord”, with bright orange and white accents.
50 years later…
The newest Monaco makes use of the most innovative materials and engineering of the 21st century. Made from high-performance Grade 2 titanium, it’s coated with DLC (diamond-like carbon), to be strong, lightweight and anti-corrosion. The Titan Monaco model was the titanium forerunner to this model. It was offered as a Limited Edition in 2021, was worn by Max Verstappen as his “lucky charm” during his 2021 Formula 1 World Championship campaign and is now a collector’s item. But this marks the first use of black-coated titanium for a Monaco chronograph. The deep, rich colour stands up to its intended use as the racer’s tool, with the case sandblasted to produce a grained finish.
Circle in the square
Monaco’s circle in the square geometry forms two separate pieces with contrasting finishes. The dial’s central circle has a satin-brushed circular finish, reflecting the speed and smoothness of racing and contrasting the exterior’s sandblasted, grained finish which itself reflects the grip of the tyres and track. The chronograph registers have a black opaline finish, with deep red chronograph hour and minute hands and rose gold markers (a stunning contrast to the matte black of the dial). Super- LumiNova® on the hands ensures optimum legibility in any conditions, day or night.
Celebrating the golden age of racing
A traditional column wheel actuates the chronograph, offering an 80-hour power reserve and the Heuer 02 is topped with a rose gold-plated oscillating mass, proudly displayed through the sapphire case back. This is set on a black alligator leather strap, fitted with a black-coated titanium buckle. The packaging also evokes the racing heritage of the Monaco collection.
Today’s Monaco captures the bold excitement of a great era in motorsport, with timeless materials and style. This new edition can be purchased inTAG Heuer boutiques and on www.tagheuer.com.
