To mark the prestigious 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, TAG Heuer adds a new chapter to its personal Monaco history with three avant-garde, innovative and colourful new TAG Heuer Monaco chronograph watches.
When you think of TAG Heuer, there are probably 2 iconic models that come to mind, and both are deeply associated with racing. One is the Carrera, the other, is the Monaco – made famous by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film “Le Mans” and ever since, has been synonymous with racing.
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. Whilst it has has many evolutions and iterations across the years from materials to colour variants, the one thing has remined true – the iconic case and look!
Today, TAG Heuer celebrates the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix with the launch of three unique Monaco timepieces. Each with their own style, but all deeply showcasing their brand and model DNA. This time however, TAG Heuer have given them the Skeletonised treatment, a first for the Monaco collection – showcasing the heart of the classic piece.
The modern skeleton watch comes in three different dials, “Original Blue”, “Racing Red”, and “Turquoise”, all uncovering a soon-to-be iconic open work. These timepieces were designed to offer an avant-garde interpretation of the racing universe, featuring a vibrant contemporary style intended to resonate with collectors and the youth alike. And at the first glance, I will say, these are cool timepieces that I immediately gravitated towards.
Each piece in the new collection draws its inspiration from different places and era’s that have helped to embody what TAG Heuer and Monaco stand for.
The “Original Blue” draws inspiration from the first-ever TAG Heuer Monaco blue dial. The blue and red colours are featured on the dial, the blue on the column wheel and the oscillating mass engravings – an overall design paying homage to the TAG Heuer Monaco 1969 and its original success.
The “Racing Red” nods to the racing DNA of the TAG Heuer Monaco, with the colour red often referencing the racing sparks made on the tracks. The black and silver colour touches are especially noticeable on the dial, along with the red column wheel and red engravings being visible on the oscillating mass, which completes the racing-inspired feel.
The “Turquoise” piece is the third watch to round-off the collection, offering a fresh and avant-garde take on TAG Heuer’s Monaco design. The engaging turquoise, a little nod to Monaco’s coastline and the red colour can be seen specifically on the dial, with the turquoise also being sported on the column wheel and on the engravings of the oscillating mass – which makes this watch definitely stand out from other iconic timepieces.
Each of the pieces are powered by TAG Heuer’s Heuer 02 movement, boasting an 80 hour power reserve from a single barrel and column wheel chronograph mechanism visible through each of the watches see through case backs, complete with engraved oscillating wheel.
The new skeleton Monaco editions are set apart via their open-worked dials, and using a combination of materials, including grade 2 titanium for a lightweight but robust look and finish. In addition, each model showcases ‘carved’ indices filled with Super-LumiNova® when lit up at night, give the wearer a futuristic light show, which also includes the date window at 6 o’clock – another first for the brand.
To add to the comfort of the watch, TAG Heuer have given each piece a bi-material strap; combining both rubber and leather for maximum comfort, durability and giving each a sporty look and adding to the racing style of each.
Final Thoughts
The Monaco is maybe the most iconic of all TAG Heuer’s and one that has immense heritage for the brand. These new skeletonised pieces add just another option for those wanting a more unique watch with character and style and with the use of the grade 2 Titanium, a modern interpretation of a classic!
If you’re more the classic lover, then the “Red Racing” will be for you. Want more modern and sporty, the “Original Blue” will suit, even thought this harks back to the 1969 prototype. And for those wanting a little more edge, the all black “Turquoise” piece is part Dark Lord and part Bamford, but all Heuer!
Specification
Reference: CBL2182.FT6235 (Original Blue) / CBL2183.FT6236 (Racing Red) / CBL2184.FT6236 (Turquoise)
- Case: 39mm, 47.4mm lug to lug
- Thickness: 14.7mm thick
- Case Material: Titanium grade 2 sandblasted case / black DLC coated
- Case back: Grade 2 Ti with sapphire crystal case back
- Dial: Blue or Black sandblasted dial, Rhodium plated TAG HEUER applied logo, 6 o’clock date with blue Super-LumiNova® and Machined white or torquoise lacquered indexes with blue Super-LumiNova®
- Crystal: Beveled, domed sapphire crystal
- Water resistance:100m / 10bar
- Movement: Calibre HEUER 02 Automatic Column Wheel Chronograph
- Power reserve: 80 Hours
- Strap: Embossed black or blue calf skin & rubber strap. Sandblasted titanium grade 2 folding clasp with double safety pushbuttons: TAG Heuer shield
Australian Recommended Retail Price: $15,550 AUD (Blue & Red) $16,300 AUD (Black/Turquoise)
Availability: Available now from all TAG Heuer Boutiques and online at tagheuer.com
