Through the years, TAG Heuer developed a special friendship with the monegasque Principality: taking inspiration for its Monaco chronograph launched in 1969, as long-time partner of the Automobile Club de Monaco, historical sponsor of calendar’s most iconic Formula 1 race, being the famous square-case timekeeper the official watch of the Monaco Grand Prix since 2011. Disruptive by nature, with its large dial, the Monaco chronograph unveiled today is a super exclusive version that will delight all watch connoisseurs and collectors of fine watchmaking: the TAG Heuer Monaco Riviera Special Edition.
Thanks to its iconic and avant-garde design, since 1969, the Monaco is instantly recognisable and radical in every way: its blue metallic dial, its red and light blue hands, and above all its square, water-resistant case that housed the first automatic chronograph movement and therefore positioned the crown on the left-hand side.
True to its racing origins and its timeless elegance, always eager to tackle the steep coastal roads, the iconic chronograph of the La Chaux-de-Fonds-based watchmaker dares to be ever more modern and sophisticated in its creativity.
In a stunning new design, the dial takes on a turquoise open-work design, in tribute to the radiant azure waters of the French Riviera, and a first in the history of this collection. The architectural style of the dial has been created by milling and drilling to reveal a magnificent structure which spans the whole watch. Each open-work facet of this complex dial has been finished by hand by using the ultra-accurate technique of chamfering, which gives the dial its depth and multidimensional style. This dial therefore is the quintessence of the unique expertise employed by the watchmaker in designing this watch.
The square 39 mm steel case retains its unique design, with a specially engraved screw-down caseback specially engraved and a sapphire crystal through which the Calibre Heuer 02, TAG Heuer’s high-performance precision-crafted chronograph movement, beats, offering a remarkable power reserve of 80 hours.
The timepiece is sold with three bespoke bands: a stainless-steel bracelet and two leathers straps for a more casual use, one in embossed blue marine, perforated and overstitched in turquoise, and the other, also overstitched in tan nubuck.
Only thirty numbered pieces will be produced and they will be exclusively available at the TAG Heuer’s Monte Carlo boutique from March 2022.
