TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue Watch Review
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue has its crown positioned on the left flank of the case, a detail found on the inaugural model of 1969. However, this limited-edition watch also embraces contemporary details such as a titanium case and a dial encompassing shocking shades of blue and lime. With only 1000 pieces available, this model is destined to sell out very quickly.
TAG Heuer Carrera – 60th anniversary
Unless you have been asleep for the last few months, you can’t have missed the hullabaloo surrounding the TAG Heuer Carrera. Born in 1963, the Carrera is now 60 with no age spots or wrinkles in sight. An example of masterful design, it has always delivered a winning blend of super readability and enduring style.
Clearly aware that it is the custodian of a precious gem, TAG Heuer has carefully evolved the Carrera’s styling without losing said qualities. To coincide with this year’s anniversary celebrations, the firm has marked the Carrera’s entry into the sexagenarian society by releasing an array of tempting novelties, many of which we have featured on ESCAPEMENT.
TAG Heuer Monaco – another icon
However, there is another member of the TAG Heuer family that frequently basks in the spotlight, the TAG Heuer Monaco. Indeed, while most watch brands yearn to have one iconic model, TAG Heuer has two legendary watches in its product portfolio.
The Monaco burst onto the watch scene back in 1969, coinciding with the release of the brand’s groundbreaking Chronomatic Calibre 11 movement. This self-winding chronograph movement, developed in partnership with Breitling, Buren and Dubois Dépraz, was pioneering at the time. The inaugural iteration of the Calibre 11 was endowed with a micro-rotor, however, today’s version features a full-size oscillating mass and the movement is adorned with perlage and Côtes de Genève.
Recent additions to the TAG Heuer Monaco collection
Interestingly, while TAG has been busy releasing numerous Carrera references this year, it has not neglected the Monaco. Recent releases include the Monaco Chronograph Skeleton and the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph Only Watch. While this latter timepiece was a pièce unique made for charity, I can’t help wondering if a production version will eventually emerge from the firm’s La Chaux-de-Fonds facility.
Over the years, the Monaco has evolved and has encompassed an array of dial hues, case materials and movements. Most notably, the brand has equipped some recent Monaco models with the Calibre Heuer 02, an in-house movement featuring a column-wheel and vertical coupling with an impressive power-reserve of 80 hours.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue – 1000 pieces
Now, the Swiss avant-garde firm has just released the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue, a limited edition model, comprising 1000 pieces. The model proves a fascinating fusion of old and new, uniting both classical and contemporary details.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue – crown at 9 o’clock
Heuerphiles will note this watch is fitted with the brand’s 21st-century Calibre 11 and has the crown located on the left flank of the case. This latter details doffs its hat to the inaugural Monaco. Allow me to elaborate.
Back in 1969, the architecture of the Buren base movement meant the crown had to be located at 9 o’clock. Jack Heuer, the consummate businessman, used the position of the crown as a point of differentiation. Indeed, an advert at the time said ‘we moved the winding crown from the left to remind you that this chronograph never needs winding’, highlighting the watch’s self-winding capabilities.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue – retro and modern
While the crown position is a nostalgic touch, the 39 mm case is resolutely modern. Made of Grade 2 titanium, the lightweight metal is not liable to corrosion and is hypoallergenic.
The dial upholds some of the tried and trusted Monaco design codes, including the twin counter design (with rounded corners), the date aperture at 6 o’clock and the horizontal batons. Yet once again, the dial steps on virgin-snow, incorporating a new colour palette. The dial epidermis is dressed in a silver sunbrushed finish and the counters are presented in blue opaline. The central chronograph hand and index at noon are executed in an eye-popping shade of lime yellow, arguably the most neoteric detail on the watch.
With this latest release, TAG Heuer masterfully unites retro and modern elements, culminating in a gloriously handsome timepiece.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue
- Reference: CAW218C.FC6548
- Case: Grade 2 Titanium, diameter 39mm, water resistance 10 ATM (100 metres); sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition caseback
- Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: Calibre 11 automatic, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), power reserve 40 hours
- Strap: blue perforated calfskin strap with Grade 2 titanium folding clasp with double safety pushbuttons
- Price – £8,050 (RRP as of 30.7.2023)
- Limited Edition: 1000 pieces