17 Jun, 2023

TAG Heuer, Watch Manufacturers, Watch Reviews

TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer

The TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is new for 2023. It unites an openworked dial with flourishes of vivid luminescent detail, a carbon case and a fully integrated movement with column-wheel and vertical coupling. Lastly, a flyback function and COSC certification provide the icing on the cake. This is unquestionably a mouthwatering proposition.

Heuer Carrera invented in 1963

I can think of no other watch brand that is so closely aligned to motorsport as TAG Heuer (formerly Heuer). The name of the Heuer Carrera, released in 1963, was inspired by La Carrera Panamericana. Likewise, the Heuer Monaco, launched in 1969, doffs its hat to the glamorous F1 race that threads through the streets of the principality. Both models have enjoyed much attention, frequently bathed in flashgun light, never far from the watchworld’s gaze.

‘Iconic’ is a term that’s overused within the watch industry, but with the Carrera and Monaco, the word seems very appropriate. In addition, the firm has also produced other octane-rich collections including Formula 1 and Autavia.

TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer

Heuer Monza invented in 1976

But, there is another motorsport-themed model worthy of note, the Heuer Monza. First released in 1976, the Monza was created to mark Niki Lauda securing the F1 World Championship the previous year. Named after the famous Italian race track, much beloved by the Tifosi, the Heuer Monza served to perpetuate the marriage between the Swiss watch marque and Scuderia Ferrari.

Heuer Centigraph and Ferrari

Heuer and Ferrari first commenced working together when the Swiss brand began supplying the Scuderia with its ‘Centigraph’ timing system. Interestingly, when Jack Heuer met Enzo ‘Commendatore’ Ferrari in 1970, the bespectacled Italian wanted the groundbreaking system for free. Ultimately, Jack agreed to supply the timing system in exchange for Heuer branding on the F1 cars. From 1971, the Heuer logo was visible on the front of each of the famous blood-red cars, heightening awareness of the Swiss watch marque and its products.

Forged carbon case

Recently, TAG Heuer unveiled a new generation Monza, referencing the distinctive shape of the 1976 model, but embracing cutting-edge materials and avant-garde styling. The TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is housed in a 42mm forged carbon case with matching bezel. Its black tones set the narrative for this stealthy watch with notes of flamboyance.

How do you make a forged carbon case?

The process of making the forged carbon case involves cutting carbon fibre threads, weighing them precisely and placing them in a mould with a specialist resin. Everything is then subject to colossal pressure. The resultant material is very light, strong and has a unique appearance. Indeed, due to the random arrangement of the fibres, no two cases look exactly the same, granting each watch a dose of individuality.

TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer

Blue sapphire crystal counters

The dial is openworked, encompassing numerous beams spanning the movement. But TAG Heuer has gone further than most by positioning two circular panes of blue sapphire crystal above the movement. These two discs serve as backdrops for the 30-minute register at 3 o’clock and the adjacent small seconds display. It’s an inspired decision on the part of TAG Heuer’s design team. The two counters appear highly legible but at the same time, the clear blue discs deliver a tantalising glimpse of the movement below.

TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer

A problem often afflicting openworked dials is that the hands can sometimes become lost within an intricate background. However, no such problems afflict the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer. The hour and minute hands are dressed in white and lined with Super-LumiNova, delivering a blue emission in dim light. This ice blue treatment also features on the indexes and the date display at 9 o’clock. The date disc is partially revealed in skeletonised form, encircling the display and thereby enriching the overall appearance of the dial without marring readability. The prevailing date is framed with a red border, delineating it from the rest of the dial, aiding read-off.

Tachymeter scale & pulsometer scale

The flange encircling the dial is broad and, courtesy of the notable height of the bezel, delivers much volume to the display. Capitalising on this extraordinary expanse, TAG Heuer has bedecked the black flange with both a tachymeter scale and a pulsometer scale. This could have easily led to the flange appearing cluttered, however, the Swiss brand has sidestepped such issues, delivering two highly lucid and very useful functions.

TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer

Black DLC steel

Returning to the case, the monochrome colour palette extends to the capstan-style push buttons and the crown, all formed of black DLC steel, tastefully matching the carbon case and bezel. To the rear, the caseback is formed of ‘black PVD titanium grade 5’ and features a pane of sapphire crystal, granting sight of the Calibre Heuer 02 movement. Everything looks cohesive and the product of careful consideration. A black textile strap reinforces the model’s stealthy character, with the blue stitching adding a dash of flamboyance.

Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback

As any petrolhead will attest, both the interior and exterior of a car are of great importance, but it’s what is under the bonnet that delivers the most excitement. And when it comes to impressive engines, the Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback ticks all the boxes.

This in-house movement is fully integrated and is equipped with a column-wheel and vertical coupling. This combination is destined to appeal to all chronograph devotees. Press the pushpiece at 2 o’clock and the blue central chronograph seconds hand commences its journey free of hesitation or annoying wobbles. Furthermore, when pressing the pushpieces, the wearer is indulged with a smooth tactile action.

Released in 2020, the Calibre Heuer 02 has already seen service in several Carrera and Monaco models. However, in this instance, the movement is equipped with a ‘flyback’ function.

What is a flyback chronograph?

With a conventional chronograph, the wearer presses the pushpiece at 2 o’clock to actuate the stopwatch function, then presses the pushpiece at 2 o’clock again to halt the action. Finally, by pressing the pushpiece at 4 o’clock everything is reset to zero. This arrangement is perfectly fine when timing an event in isolation, however, when endeavouring to time consecutive events, even the most nimble-fingered wearer will struggle. With the flyback, assuming the chronograph is running, pressing the pushpiece at 4 o’clock serves to stop, reset and restart the chronograph in one simple action.

TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer

There are a few additional movement niceties worthy of mention, including an openworked oscillating weight, bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève and an impressive power reserve of 80 hours. Most notably, the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is a COSC-certified chronometer, a clear indication of the model’s timekeeping prowess.