For 160 years, TAG Heuer has demonstrated pure avant-garde watchmaking spirit and a commitment to innovation with revolutionary technologies. Today, the brand’s core collection consists of three iconic families designed by Jack Heuer – TAG Heuer Carrera, Monaco and Autavia – and is rounded out with the contemporary Link, Aquaracer, Formula 1 and Connected lines. TAG Heuer’s Monaco collection is one of the brand’s most defining lines. The original model featured the first automatic chronograph movement and gained legendary status after Steve McQueen sported the piece in the classic 1970 racing movie Le Mans. Today, its main appeal has to be its gorgeous vintage design, and this season we see new models being added to the family.
Equipped with the watchmaker’s Calibre Heuer 02 manufacture movement, these newcomers to the TAG Heuer Monaco chronograph range feature details inspired by their early predecessors and set the tone for the future of the collection.
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland – 8 October 2020: Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer presents three new Monaco models, continuing the new chapter in the collection’s history that began in 2019 – a year in which the brand celebrated the iconic timepiece’s 50th anniversary with special-edition releases. These new, impressive 2020 models feature a powerful in-house manufacture movement at their heart, the Calibre Heuer 02, and a stunning, statement design. All three drawing inspiration from the models of the 1970s, and two are presented on a modernised metallic bracelet, recreated especially for them. Such bold stylistic choices continue to establish the Monaco as much more than a heritage piece.
The highlight of these three newcomers is the model with a bold black dial with a sunray-brushed appearance. Its counterpart features a lustrous blue sunray-brushed dial with a red, white and blue colour scheme reminiscent of the original Monaco timepieces of 1969. Both models are presented on a stainless-steel bracelet and feature striking square counters at 3 and 9 o’clock and a red central chronograph seconds hand. The model with the black dial is also available with a black leather strap.
The Calibre Heuer 02 in this timepiece is visible behind the watch’s sapphire crystal caseback 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.
A design feature that might stand out as being unique to these Monaco novelties is the stainless-steel bracelet. It has been nearly two decades since a new Monaco was presented on a metal bracelet. This particular example draws on the H-shaped bracelet that was used for Monaco watches in the early 1970s. The designers wanted to give the 2020 models a new flair and found their inspiration among the archive pieces at the TAG Heuer Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The original steel bracelet has been redesigned to meet today’s standards and improve comfort for the wearer.
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
TAG Heuer’s Heritage Director, Catherine Eberlé-Devaux.
True to its original design, the bracelet is wider at the lugs in order to carry the weight of the watch head. It tapers where it wraps around the wrist for improved comfort. The horizontal bars are connected with smaller horizontal links. A butterfly clasp affirms that this bracelet is a work of haute horlogerie. The clasp is engraved with the TAG Heuer shield – another detail that symbolises the Monaco’s place in TAG Heuer’s core collection, and not just as a heritage piece.
After 50 years, the Monaco’s story continues with modern interpretations. With every new launch, this iconic timepiece reflects TAG Heuer’s spirit of avant-garde watchmaking and strengthens its reputation as one of the watch world’s most remarkable creations. Coinciding with the 160th anniversary of the brand, the launch of these luxurious Monaco novelties proves that TAG Heuer has already begun writing the next chapter in its history and is taking the Monaco into the future at the same time.
Discover more about the TAG Heuer Monaco at Watches of Switzerland UK, Watches of Switzerland US, Mayors, Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths.
