One To Watch | TAG Heuer Monaco Watches
As if the TAG Heuer Monaco wasn’t cool enough, along come two new additions to the Monaco Heuer-02 line up with a striking black dial.
Although a black dial has been part of the Monaco line up since it was relaunched in 2003, this new Monaco with its white chronograph registers and stand-out black-with-red colour scheme is descended from the Monaco Racing edition which launched in 2009.
But a cool black dial isn’t all it’s got to show off.
Add to that the powerful in-house manufacture movement and a new steel bracelet, and these newest Monaco watches from TAG Heuer are out to prove that they’re much more than heritage pieces.
Let’s take a look…
The Case: A design classic
It’s cool to be square, and when it comes to being cool it doesn’t get much cooler than the TAG Heuer Monaco.
The iconic square case of the new Monaco is still a great size at 39mm and we wouldn’t want to see it go much bigger. The Monaco is big on the wrist compared to a round watch of the same diameter. But, if you’re looking for a watch that will blend in you’re looking in the wrong place. The Monaco was designed to stand out and stand out it does.
The sharp-edged styling that made the Monaco such a design classic are still here, but there are a few little updates which make it feel more modern. For example, the sapphire crystal stands off the case a little more than the original plexi, increasing the watch’s angular aesthetic and improving readability by making the dial appear even more crisp and clear.
As with the 50th anniversary edition Monaco Heuer-02 models released last year, the case is a little thicker, but this is still a watch that looks great from every angle. Being a bit thicker through the middle gives it a nice weight on the wrist too.
The Dial: Steve McQueen black
The dial is without doubt one of the most stand-out design elements of this new Monaco. Although the McQueen blue will always be iconic, the sunray black finish which changes to a deep graphite in different lights looks set to be a firm favourite.
Sporting a three register display, the white counters are recessed with a dished edge, whilst the running seconds at 6 o’clock (above a rectangular date window) takes on a subtle cross-hair design.
The hour and minute hands are updated too, with white luminous tips rather than the red we saw in earlier models. And an applied steel marker sits at 12 o’clock which replaces the old double batons.
The Bracelet: New H-shaped stainless steel
Marking nearly 2 decades since a Monaco was presented on a stainless steel bracelet, this is perhaps the design feature that we love the most in these new releases.
Inspired by the bracelet that was used for the Monaco watches in the early 1970’s, it helps them retain a fair bit of their heritage and retro appeal. However, the bracelet’s design is sleeker and altogether more modern which helps TAG Heuer signify that the Monaco is a heritage piece no longer - it’s a watch that’s more than ready to take on the 21st century.
The H-shaped bracelet doesn’t only look great either. Wider at the watch head to carry the weight of the case, it tapers as it wraps around the wrist to allow all-day comfort.
There’s a black dial version fitted with a black alligator leather strap too if your tastes are more traditional.
A little more formal than the sporty calfskin straps we’ve seen recently, it looks smart, sophisticated, and subtle - if you could ever call the Monaco subtle that is.
The movement: Calibre Heuer-02 powered
TAG Heuer have already demonstrated their prowess for combining iconic designs with powerful in-house movements - for example, the Autavia, and the aggressively futuristic Carrera Calibre Heuer-02.
So seeing the iconic Monaco brought to life with an in-house TAG Heuer movement for the first time since the 1970’s is really something to get excited about.
Entirely Swiss-made in TAG Heuer’s Chevenez manufacture, the calibre Heuer-02 is a vertical clutch, column wheel-equipped movement, which beats at a smooth 28,800 bph and has an impressive 80 hours power reserve.
It’s a powerful, intricately designed movement, which is why we’re very happy to see an exhibition caseback allowing a glimpse into the beating heart of this extraordinary new Monaco.
Our Verdict
Things we like
✔ The black sunburst dial and white registers
✔ The sleek design of the stainless steel H-shaped bracelet
✔ The in-house Swiss-made Calibre Heuer 02 movement which can be seen through the caseback
Perfect For
✔ Seasoned Monaco collectors as well as those looking for something different
✔ Those looking for a watch with heritage
✔ Those who want their watch to be a conversation starter.
Shop the new TAG Heuer Monaco Heuer-02 Chronograph watches online from £98.44 per month when you spread the cost interest free, or book an appointment in your nearest TAG Heuer stockist.
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