In true TAG Heuer fashion, the iconic brand has dropped their latest Monaco Chronograph ahead of this weekend’s F1 Monaco Grand Prix.
TAG Heuer is one watch brand that is synonymous with racing, and what’s more, their association with Formula 1 goes hand in hand. After all, Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and when you think of F1, you think of Monaco – the longest continual running Grand Prix since 1955, and a highlight on the F1 calendar. So what better watch to celebrate the F1 and the spectacle that is the Monaco Grand Prix than the TAG Heuer Monaco?!
This time last year, TAG Heuer dropped three new versions of their iconic chronograph all in Titanium and all with skeleton dials. You may have seen current three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen sporting a special version of the blue variant on his wrist post his F1 win at Monaco last year, and for much of last year’s season given TAG Heuer is the timepiece partner for Red Bull Racing. What’s special about his watch I hear you ask? As a gift from TAG Heuer to the champ, his Monaco Chronograph has the number “1” on the dial in red and “One Of One” on the back – nods to both him as the number one in the world and this being a unique piece just for him – deservedly so.
This year, keeping with tradition, TAG Heuer has unveiled the latest Monaco Chronograph to join the collection. This time, in a black DLC coated Grade 2 Titanium case, dark blue skeletonised dial with a matching calf/rubber combination strap, and finished off with yellow accents on the hands, oscillating rotor, and column wheel. This builds upon the highly popular “Turquoise” model that was part of last years release.
Now, I’ll start by saying this – whilst I’m not normally a square watch fan, this is a good-looking piece. The combination of dark blue, black and yellow works, and I’m partial to that combination. The yellow just breaks up the darker colours and brings out the blue on the dial and strap. The yellow evokes that racing spirit and according to TAG Heuer, the sparks that fly off the cars as they traverse the street circuit of Monaco. The blue is a tribute to the Principality of Monaco and the specific hue reflects the blue of the Mediterranean coast.
The 39mm titanium case is fully blacked out with black DLC with a square domed and faceted crystal sits on top. Whilst this adds to the overall thickness of the piece, totaling 15.2mm thick, it’s just on paper as your eyes are drawn to the case and the domed crystal doesn’t register. It’s a good trick to help visually slim a case on the wrist.
Looking through the skeletonised dial is the Heuer 02 Caliber TH20-00 – the brand’s purpose-built in-house chronograph calibre, the same that is found in the new generation Carerra Glass Box collection. With an 80-hour power reserve, a vertical clutch with column wheel to alleviate wear and tear, plus a smoother pusher function when critical timing matters. This is one of the newer generation movements that has been developed under the watchful eye of Carole Kasapi-Forestier, TAG Heuer’s Movement Director and a step forward for the brand with regards to both reliability and accuracy.
At night time the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph comes alive with a dial that is fully lumed…well as lumed as a skeleton dial can be. In this instance, the bridges and arms that hold the dial together and simultaneously act as the 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 & 11 o’clock markers are coated in Super-LumiNova as is the date window at 6 o’clock and where the small seconds marker is. At night, it gives off a very surreal effect, one that would keep you looking at it over and over again.
Initial Thoughts
The TAG Heuer Monaco is an icon for a reason. It’s instantly recognisable and has certain design cues that make it stand out form the rest. This being said, TAG Heuer are moving into a new era (See our chat with Heritage Director Nicholas Biebuyck here) by putting a little more “Avante Garde” into their pieces marrying this with the heritage and DNA of their icons, and the Monaco is a great example of this. It’s a Monaco through and through, but with an edge…and I kind of like that.
The colour combination on this piece works brilliantly. The dark blues complimenting the black DLC titanium case which is then offset by the yellow lacquered hands brings this piece to life and gives it an appropriate sporting look. The skeletonisation isn’t overdone and adds another layer of complexity to the dial and the overall look of the watch, with the leather/rubber combination strap giving you the best of both worlds here.
Specification
Reference: CBL2188.FT6261
- Size: 39mm, 47.4mm lug to lug & 15.2mm thick
- Case Material: Titanium grade 2 sandblasted black DLC
- Case back: Grade 2 Titanium with sapphire crystal case back
- Dial: Dark blue sandblasted dial, Rhodium plated TAG HEUER applied logo, 6 o’clock date with blue Super-LumiNova® indexes with blue Super-LumiNova® and yellow lacquered hands on the chronograph seconds, minute and hour counters
- Crystal: Beveled, domed sapphire crystal
- Water resistance:100m / 10bar
- Movement: Calibre HEUER 02 TH20-00 Automatic Column Wheel Chronograph
- Power reserve: 80 Hours
- Strap: Embossed blue calf skin & rubber strap. Sandblasted titanium grade 2 folding clasp with double safety pushbuttons: TAG Heuer shield
