TAG Heuer recently unveiled the first of five editions celebrating 50 years of the Monaco, the iconic square-case chronograph named after the legendary Monte Carlo circuit. The bold and iconic design of the Monaco made it instantly recognisable. The TAG Heuer Monaco was not only the first ever square-shaped waterproof watch, but also the first to feature a self-winding chronograph movement. Since its debut, the Monaco watch and the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, for which TAG Heuer has been the official watch since 2011, have forged a strong bond - the most glamorous Grand Prix of the Formula 1 season gave its name to the TAG Heuer Monaco collection in 1969. No other venue or location would be more fitting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic timepiece. When the Heuer Monaco (TAG was not part of the company name at the time) was unveiled at two simultaneous press conferences in New York and Geneva on 3 March 1969, journalists and watch enthusiasts all over the world were astonished. It was the perfect complement to the advanced technology presented at the time by the Swiss watch manufacturer. Developed and marketed by Heuer, the Calibre 11 was the world's first self-winding chronograph movement. Heuer's CEO at the time, Jack Heuer, was convinced that this revolutionary innovation required an eye-catching design. This is exactly what happened with the Monaco. A year after its launch, the Monaco was seen on the wrist of brand ambassador and racing car driver Jo Siffert, while in 1971 it shared the limelight with Steve McQueen in the film 'Le 24 Heures du Mans'. Highlighting the innovative yet timeless design of the original Monaco, TAG Heuer has created five new models inspired by the trends, colours and styles that have characterised each decade of the Monaco's half-century history. Geometric shapes and colours emblematic of the ʽ70s, combined with a timeless Côtes de Genève decoration, are some of the features that distinguish the first model created to celebrate the Monaco's 50th anniversary. Presented with a brown leather strap with holes finished in light brown, this chronograph with a steel case is produced in a limited edition of just 169 pieces. The green dial features hints of brown and yellow and Côtes de Genève finishing. The hands are coated with SuperLuminova®. A quick glance at the inner dials and the position of the crown is enough to recognise the inspiration behind this unconventional watch. The caseback of this ʽ70s-inspired timepiece is engraved with the original "Monaco Heuer" logo, the words "1969-1979 Special Edition" and "One of 169". Inside the case beats the famous Calibre 11, a modern version of the self-winding chronograph movement that made its debut in the original Monaco in 1969.
MONACO 1969-1979 LIMITED EDITION
Reference CAW211V.FC6466
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
MOVEMENT
TAG Heuer automatic Calibre 11, 30 mm diameter, 59 jewels, balance oscillating at a frequency of 28 800 alternations per hour (4 Hz), 40-hour power reserve
FUNCTIONS
Chronograph with seconds and minutes counter; date, time, minutes and small seconds at 3 o'clock
CASH
39 mm diameter, stainless steel case, fixed bezel stainless steel, sapphire crystal, polished steel crown at 9 o'clock and push-buttons at 2 and 4 o'clock, water-resistant to 100 metres (10 bar), steel back with '1969-1979' engraving Special Edition' and 'One of 169'
QUADRANT
Green with Côtes de Genève finish, counters small black gold-plated sunbursts, facetted indexes and polished, brown and yellow accents on the hands and indices
BELT
Brown calfskin strap, polished folding clasp stainless steel
Limited edition of 169
Price5,950 euro
SPECIAL PACKAGING
Like the watch itself, the packaging is inspired by the original. Each of the special edition models comes in a box with colours matching the watch and the decade it represents. The ʽ70s-inspired model is packaged in a dark blue box decorated with the Heuer logo and a horizontal chequered pattern. The watch sits on a yellow cushion and is enclosed in a green interior, the same colour as on the dial.
