Just two months after their last Monaco release, TAG Heuer have added to the Monaco collection with a new limited edition: The Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue
Back in May, TAG Heuer released three Monaco Skeleton models in Titanium ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, which you can read here and in a year where TAG Heuer are focusing on their racing inspired line, the latest edition, the Chronograph Racing Blue Limited Edition came as a little surprise.
Just in case you’re a little rusty on your TAG Heuer history, the Monaco was unveiled in 1969. It was unique and bold at the time, a racing chronograph in a square case featuring the Calibre 11, which was the first Chronograph to be offered to the public and totally unique. Subsequently it was made famous by Steve McQueen in the movie “Le Mans” when released in 1971, and hence the classic Le Mans / Steve McQueen Monaco model we know today.
This latest edition, the Racing Blue Limited Edition is an ode to the racing spirit and the national racing colours of French racing teams and cars that you see on their livery, even today. In the early days of motor racing, cars were distinguished by their national colours rather than manufacturer or sponsor liveries. Each country had its own specific hue, such as the renowned British racing green, the vibrant Italian red, Germany’s initial use of white before transitioning to silver, and the unmistakable shade of blue associated with the French.
This latest Monaco features a sandblasted grade 2 titanium case measuring 39mm in diameter and 14.35mm thick, and within this, a brushed sunray silver dial reminiscent of the engine-turned dashboard seen in sports cars in the 1920s and 1930s. This is offset with 2 sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock in an azure blue that brings the dial to life and compliments the lighter shaded lume pips around the edge of the hour markers. The dial is broken up with a bright lime yellow seconds hand, mirrored in hour marker at 12 o’clock.
The blue on the dial is further enhanced in the blue calfskin strap with perforations, a signature for watches linked to racing. The strap is secured with a titanium folding clasp, featuring the engraved Heuer logo.
Inside the TAG Heuer Chronograph Racing Blue is the Calibre 11, the movement that’s powered the Monaco for more than a decade. Beating at 4hz and with 40 hours of power reserve, it’s a workhorse movement that is tried and tested, and visible through the see through case back, has a few embellishments like the Geneva Stripes and Pearlage on the plates.
The case-back is also engraved with the limited edition “One of 1000”, and the watch is presented in a specially designed vibrant blue packaging with lime yellow details.
Specification
Reference: CAW218C.FC6548 – Limited to 1000 pieces
- Case: 39mm, 47.4mm lug to lug
- Thickness: 14.35mm thick
- Case Material: Titanium grade 2 sandblasted case
- Case back: Grade 2 Ti with sapphire crystal case back
- Dial: Sunray brushed silver dial with blue opalin sub-dials. Hands and indexes rhodium plated with blue Super-LumiNova®
- Crystal: Beveled, domed sapphire crystal
- Water resistance:100m / 10bar
- Movement: Calibre 11 Automatic Chronograph
- Power reserve: 40 Hours
- Strap: Blue perforated calfskin strap with Grade 2 titanium folding clasp with double safety pushbuttons
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $13,350
Availability: Available now from all TAG Heuer Boutiques, Selected Retailers and online at tagheuer.com
