New: TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue Limited Edition

The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue Limited Edition is a watch that is inspired by the history and heritage of motorsport. It has the iconic Monaco square case, which was launched in 1969, with a blue color scheme that alludes to the French racing tradition. The watch is limited to 1,000 pieces.

Press Release with Commentary in Italics.

New: TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue Limited Edition

Commentary

The watch has a silver dial with two blue subdials for the chronograph function. The hands and indexes have Super-LumiNova for better visibility, and the chronograph seconds hand is lime-yellow for a contrast. The date window is at 6 o’clock, and the crown is at 9 o’clock, as a nod to the original Monaco that had the Calibre 11, the first automatic chronograph movement.

The case is made of titanium grade 2, a light and strong material that gives the watch a modern and sporty look. The case is 39mm in diameter and 14.3mm in thickness, and has a sapphire crystal on both sides. The caseback has “one of 1000” engraved on it and shows the Calibre 11 automatic movement, which has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 40 hours.

The watch comes with a perforated leather strap which resembles racing gloves. The strap has lime-yellow stitching and lining, and has a steel clasp with the TAG Heuer logo. The watch also comes with a blue box that matches the color of the strap and subdials.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue Limited Edition is a watch that shows the connection between TAG Heuer and racing with a variation in color scheme and case material for Monaco watch fans. The watch is priced at CHF 9,000 and marked one of 1000.

Press Release

The Swiss luxury watchmaker is pleased to introduce the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue Limited Edition, a fresh take on the iconic square racing chronograph. This new TAG Heuer Monaco watch is a testament to the brand’s dedication to creating iconic timepieces inspired by the motorsport universe. More than a chronograph, it is a symbol of excellence and innovation. The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue celebrates the brand’s rich history connected to competition cars by featuring hues of blue paying tribute to the emblematic French Racing Blue.

TAG Heuer has always been among the timekeepers most closely associated with racing, and the Monaco collection is an embodiment of this ideal. When the brand introduced the model in 1969, it revolutionized the watchmaking industry. Unlike anything else on the market, the timepiece featured the first square cased water-resistant chronograph which housed the revolutionary Calibre 11 movement. More than a bold design statement – the Heuer Monaco was named after the legendary principality that hosts one of Formula 1’s most renowned races. This relationship has held a special place in the brand’s heart and history and remains a significant aspect of TAG Heuer’s identity to this day.

For many, the TAG Heuer Monaco will always be associated with one of the greatest actors of his generation, Steve McQueen. In 1970, while filming Le Mans, the Hollywood superstar decided to wear the same racing suit and watch as the professional driver and personal trainer, Jo Siffert. By doing so, he aimed to embody the role of an authentic racing driver, and he quickly became a style icon in his own right, proudly sporting a Heuer Monaco timepiece. Over the years, the TAG Heuer Monaco has continued to evolve, incorporating new materials, technologies, and design elements that make it a true work of art, quickly becoming a symbol of the brand’s avant-garde spirit. This latest version of the Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue is no exception, as it pays homage to the incredible racing heritage and the indelible mark that TAG Heuer has left on the discipline.

National Racing Colours

In the summer of 2023, TAG Heuer is releasing a new TAG Heuer Monaco, drawing a line through decades of history connecting the brand to the world of motorsport. In the early days of motor racing, cars were distinguished by their national colors 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. It is that particular shade of blue that serves as the inspiration for TAG Heuer’s latest creation, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue.

The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue features a tone that evokes the colors sported by esteemed automotive brands like Talbot-Lago, Delage and, last but not least, the famous Bugatti Type 35. The subsidiary dials and strap come in a gamut of azure tones, while the indexes are presented in a lighter shade. The watch features striking lime yellow accents that add a fresh touch to the timepiece, perfectly complementing the color palette of the model.

The watch boasts a stunning silvered sunray brushed dial reminiscent of the engine-turned dashboard seen in sports cars in the 1920s and 1930s. The dial is adorned with eight applied, silvered hour markers and 12 blue dot markers, facilitating effortless time reading. Notably, a faceted baton marker at 12 o’clock features a vibrant yellow stripe, serving as a direct connection to the chronograph’s central hand.

The hour and minute hands are enhanced with blue Super-LumiNova® for excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. Complementing this, the lacquered central hand in lime yellow adds a pop of colour. Collectively, these design elements harmonize with the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue. The watch is powered by the Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement, encased within a sandblasted grade 2 titanium casing, giving both robustness and lightness to it, and featuring a sapphire caseback, allowing a glimpse into the movement inside.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue comes with a 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. The caseback of the Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue is engraved with the limited edition “One of 1000”, and the watch is presented in a specially designed vibrant blue packaging with lime yellow details. Available from July 2023, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue will be sold in TAG Heuer boutiques, on the brand’s e-commerce websites, and at select retail partners.