The TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 02 automatic

In a year where Tag Heuer celebrated the 50^th anniversary of what many believe, to be the brands most iconic timepiece, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer continues to expand and innovate the Monaco, with three new editions of the watch. 

All three of the new pieces drawing inspiration from the models introduced in the 1970s, two of which are presented on a modern steel bracelet, recreated especially for them. The other big introduction to the line, is the Heuer 02 automatic chronograph movement, which is visible behind the watch’s sapphire crystal case back and boasts an impressive power reserve of 80 hours. Extending the range of Monaco pieces equipped with this powerful calibre, these new models demonstrate how TAG Heuer combines iconic designs with advanced in-house technology.

The two blockbusters of the newcomers are the models with a bold black dial with a sunray-brushed appearance, and Its counterpart featuring a lustrous blue sunray-brushed dial with a red, white and blue colour scheme reminiscent of the original Monaco timepieces of 1969. These are the pieces being offered on the new integrated steel bracelet, with the black dial offered also on a black alligator leather strap.

It has been nearly 20 years since last we saw a steel bracelet offered on the iconic square case of the Monaco. The new example draws heavy inspiration from the H-link bracelets used in the 1970s, with the new design being reimagined and engineered to modern standards and tolerances. 

Tag Heuer’s heritage director, Catherine Eberlé-Devaux, quoted as saying, “The bracelet is particularly important for any wristwatch – without a good bracelet, the timepiece lacks desirability. For the new Monaco timepieces, we have alluded to its brilliant past with a familiar design and colour while reinforcing that the collection is moving forward with innovative new technology.”

All three of the new additions feature identical specifications, all three are measured at 39mm, although on a square watch the Monaco wears unlike any traditionally shaped watch on the same diameter. The case itself features Polished and fine-brushed stainless-steel topped with a bevelled and domed sapphire crystal. A Sapphire case back is fitted from which to enjoy the Heuer 02 movement, and each piece is rated to 100 metres of water resistance.

Dial side, a choice of either black or blue Sunray-brushed dial is available. The traditional tri register layout remains with at 3 o’clock: silver minute chronograph counter, 6 o’clock: black permanent second indicator and at 9 o’clock: silver hour chronograph counter. The dial also features rhodium-plated indexes as well as hour and minute hands, generously filled with white Super-LumiNova.

Both black dial variations of the new Monaco will be available in October 2020, with the blue dial following in January of 2021.