The Swiss luxury watchmaker is pleased to introduce the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green, a continuous representation of the racing heritage of TAG Heuer and a second chapter in the Racing Monaco story. The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green joins the TAG Heuer Monaco collection to celebrate the racing cars and their iconic liveries, this time honouring the British colours.
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The Racing Spirit of the TAG Heuer Monaco
TAG Heuer has always been among the timekeepers most closely associated with racing, and the TAG Heuer Monaco collection embodies this ideal. When the brand introduced the model in 1969, it revolutionized the watchmaking industry. Unlike any other watch 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 TAG 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.
To many, the TAG Heuer Monaco will always be associated with one of the greatest actors of his generation, Steve McQueen. In 1970, while filming the movie Le Mans, the Hollywood superstar chose to wear the same racing suit and watch brand as professional driver and personal trainer Jo Siffert. By doing so, McQueen aimed to embody the role of an authentic racing driver and quickly became a style icon in his own right, proudly sporting a Heuer Monaco timepiece. This connection to a Hollywood legend adds a layer of storytelling and emotional appeal to the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green, making it a must-have for any watch enthusiast.
Over the years, the TAG Heuer Monaco has continued to evolve, incorporating new materials, technologies, and design elements that make it an actual work of art, swiftly becoming a symbol of the brand’s avant-garde spirit. This latest version, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green, is no exception, as it continues to pay homage to the incredible racing heritage and the indelible mark that the Maison has left on the discipline following its Racing Blue peer from 2023.
Racing’s Best Companion
With its iconic TAG Heuer Monaco, the brand has continuously drawn a line through decades of history connecting the Maison to the world of motorsport. From the early 20th century to the 1960s, racing drivers competed with car liveries specific to their country rather than to the manufacturer or sponsors. Each country had its own dedicated colour: the vibrant Italian red, Germany’s initial use of white before transitioning to silver, and the unmistakable shade of blue associated with the French, featured last year on the Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue. For this new chapter, the renowned British racing green is the inspiration for the brand’s latest creation, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green.
Racing green, a recognizable shade associated with British motorsports has a storied history. The first noted car in this colour palette was a Napier 50 that won the 1902 Gordon Bennett Cup under Selwyn Edge, leading to the 1903 event hosted by Great Britain. Modern British racing teams and distinguished car manufacturers continue to use variations of this shade, making it a celebrated colour in the world of motorsports and the inspiration for this year’s timepiece.
Every element of the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green is a tribute to the rich history of British motorsports. Inspired by the iconic liveries of historical British racing cars, the watch features white and yellow touches that echo the design of these legendary vehicles. The silver sunray-brushed dial, reminiscent of the engine-turned dashboards seen in sports cars of the 1920s and 1930s, adds a touch of timeless elegance to the watch.
The dial is adorned with eight applied, polished, silvered hour markers and 12 light green Super- LumiNova® dot markers, facilitating effortless time reading. Notably, a faceted baton marker at noon features a vibrant yellow stripe, directly connecting to the clock’s yellow central hand and the touches of yellow on these celebrated race cars.
The elegant green subdials feature a vibrant yet sophisticated shade and honour the traditional racing green.
Heritage is also inherent to the watch, which features the historic Heuer logo and is set to appeal to collectors and watch aficionados alike. In true Monaco DNA, the crown is placed at 9 o’clock, as it was initiated in 1969.
The watch is powered by the automatic chronograph Calibre 11, encased within a sandblasted grade-2 titanium case. This material choice allows for both robustness and lightness, perfect for a sporty feel. The sapphire case back offers a glimpse into the movement inside, adding a touch of technical elegance. These features make the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green the perfect companion for any motorsport enthusiast.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green has a green perforated strap for classic British gentleman aesthetics. The strap is secured with a titanium folding clasp featuring the Heuer logo.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green is not just a watch; it’s a statement of exclusivity. As a limited edition, with only 1000 pieces available, each watch is a unique piece of history. The case back proudly bears the engraving “ONE OF 1000”, a testament to its rarity. It is presented in custom-designed black packaging with vivid yellow details, adding to the sense of exclusivity and luxury.
It is the perfect watch for the perfect gentleman driver.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green
Movement: Calibre 11
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph.
Dial: Silver sunray brushed dial two counters: 3 o’clock: green opaline permanent second indicator; rhodium-plated hand, 9 o’clock: green opaline minute chronograph counter; rhodium-plated hand, rhodium-plated polished applied indexes, rhodium-plated hour and minute hands with blue Super-LumiNova®, light green Super-LumiNova® dot hour markers, yellow lacquered central hand, black HEUER printed logo, 6 o’clock angled date.
MONACO AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH SWISS MADE printed.
Case: 39mm; Grade-2 titanium sandblasted case, bevelled, domed sapphire crystal, sapphire case back, water resistance: 100 meters.
Bracelet: Green calfskin perforated leather strap with matching green lining, grade-2 titanium folding clasp with double safety push-buttons, HEUER logo.
Dimensions: Lug-to-lug: 47,4mm, thickness: 14,35mm.
Availability: September 2024
Estimated SRP: 9’100 CHF
Good Things
- Iconic Design: The Monaco series is famous for its square case and distinctive design, which stands out among other chronographs.
- Heritage: TAG Heuer has a rich heritage in motorsports, and the Monaco model specifically has a strong association with racing.
- Visibility: The contrasting racing green dial enhances visibility, especially with the chronograph subdials.
Bad Things
- Size: The square case design may not fit comfortably on all wrist sizes, especially for those preferring smaller watches.
- Price: TAG Heuer watches, especially limited editions like the Racing Green, can be relatively expensive.
- Maintenance: Like all mechanical watches, it requires periodic servicing to maintain accuracy and functionality.
The Breakdown