Released as a part of LVMH Watch week, TAG Heuer unveiled one of the more significant timepieces over their rich 160-year history as a luxury watch manufacturer. The TAG Heuer Monza makes its long-awaited return in a modern tribute to a watch that represents the company, and it’s an undeniable link to motorsport.
The original Monza came about when Scuderia Ferrari went through a difficult period of not being victorious since 1964 and then had their first win in 1975. This win was incredibly meaningful, and with TAG Heuer being the technical timing partner for Scuderia Ferrari at the time, Jack Heuer marked this special occasion with a watch to fit this occasion, the Heuer Monza.
The name of this watch, however, was meant to be different, which TAG Heuer explains as “Interestingly the model was originally meant to be called the Modena after the
home town of Ferrari but the strength of the name of Italy’s premier racing circuit
was soon realised. The choice of the name was indicative of the brand’s deep
love for motorsport, paying homage to the fastest F1 track in the world, an iconic
location whose high-speed turns, such as the legendary Parabolica in the shadows of the original banked track, have stood the test of time, remaining a career-defining race for even the most experienced drivers for more than 100 years now.”
When the Heuer Monza was created, the design expressed fierceness. At the time of release, it was one of the first black-coated watches of the era. The production history of the TAG Heuer Monza is of a few select designs. After the original piece back in the ’70s the model was revived in the early 2000s and has been reintroduced sparingly since then. So the release of the 2023 edition will be sure to be met with excitement for the fans as they get a chance to grab a highly sought-after design with a modern twist.
CEO of TAG Heuer, Frédéric Arnault states in regard to this rare timepiece “We are delighted to reintroduce the TAG Heuer Monza, one of our most important designs that hold such rich emotional and historic motorsport heritage. The 2023 TAG Heuer Monza is a very special reinterpretation of its famed ancestor, in which its unmistakable racing spirit comes alive in a bold and resolutely modern way, showcasing TAG Heuer’s most advanced expertise in dial design and performance timekeeping.”
The TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is made from a 42mm ultra-lightweight and resistant carbon case, along with a carbon-fixed bezel that features the tachymeter scale. The crown and chronograph pushers are made from black DLC to match the aesthetics of the case.
The stunning skeletonised dial does justice to this latest Monza timepiece. The black dial features a two-sub counter layout, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and the constant seconds counter at 6 o’clock. The counters have a translucent fumé blue sapphire
Crystal which still partially allows the movement underneath to be seen. At the 9 o’clock position, the date window is done in blue luminescent, which is a first for TAG Heuer.
TAG Heuer has used blue and red colours extensively throughout the dial. The hour markers, chronograph seconds hand along with markings on the tachymeter scale, are all done in shades of blue. While for contrasting effects, red has been used for the sub-counter hands, date window and the “100” marking on the tachymeter scale. The hour indexes along with the white lacquered hour and minute hands, all feature Super-LumiNova for great readability in low-light conditions.
Powering this latest Monza Flyback Chronometer is TAG Heuer’s in-house Calibre Heuer 02 Flyback movement. The most notable feature of this movement is, of course, the flyback, which allows the wearer to reset the chronograph without stopping it. Operating at a frequency of 28 800 VpH (4Hz), the movement also gives out a power reserve of 80 hours.
TAG Heuer is presenting this latest Monza on a black textile strap with blue stitching as standard. It also comes with a carbon folding clasp.
A watch made for the pro or amateur driver, the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer brings together racing heritage with a colourful modern appearance. It will be available for purchase in January 2023 and will be sold exclusively at TAG Heuer boutiques, selected retail stores and also the brand’s e-commerce website.
Reference: CR5090.FN6001
Specification:
- Case: 41 mm Carbon case
- Case Material: Black fine-brushed dial
- Dial: Sunray Blue with 4-point star motif pattern
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback
- Power reserve: 72 Hours
- Bracelet: Integrated steel bracelet interchangeable with dial matching blue rubber with quick change system
