Introducing TAG Heuer's Monaco Purple Dial Limited Edition
No, it’s not the ‘Steve McQueen Blue’ but a vibrant purple that’s calling out fans of TAG Heuer’s most popular racing chrono to try out a dashing new variation, limited to 500 numbered pieces
TAG Heuer has launched a bold new interpretation of its iconic Monaco, which in 1969 redefined the brand's inventiveness with one of the first square cases – a truly avant-garde style with a blue dial, red second hand, and a left-positioned crown. A '70s smash hit that still remains a star attraction is all about pronounced geometries and a classy mix of vintage and contemporary design elements, a blend that gives the classic round watches a run for their money.
Over the years, TAG Heuer has released Monaco's modern references with blue or black dials, a classic bet. But this year, it presents the Monaco Purple Dial Limited Edition – an edition of only 500 numbered pieces. A refreshing design that aligns with contemporary watchmaking, but at the same time pays homage to the very early Heuer Monaco reference 1113B – the chronomatic version launched at the beginning of 1969. Two years later, American actor Steve McQueen brought the Heuer Monaco watch to the big screen in his movie Le Mans, an event that connoisseurs of the TAG Heuer Monaco lineage find historic and delightful.
TAG Heuer's love for speed and its deeply-rooted racing spirit is what all Monacos are made of, and the latest reference is a testimony to this fact. Housed in a 39mm square case in fine-brushed and polished steel, the new reference is revved by TAG Heuer's in-house chronograph movement, the Calibre Heuer 02, which is clearly visible through the sapphire caseback and features a customized oscillating mass, column wheel, and engravings with purple details.
The movement achieves a power reserve of around 80 hours and the purple Monaco has been paired with a black alligator strap, elegantly lined with purple on the inside. Its purple sunray and the smoked brushed dial has a black minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock, a permanent second indicator at 6, and a black hour chronograph counter at 9. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, its rhodium-plated applied indexes, hour, and minute hands have been treated with white Super-LumiNova® and its stainless-steel case comes with push-buttons at 2 and 4 o'clock.
The limited-edition reference features a caseback engraved with the piece's number of XXX/500. As this iteration explores the vibrant new aesthetics, it reminds the Monaco enthusiasts of the model’s rich heritage and how it joined the giants of the '60s, the Autavia and the Carrera.
Stints With Celebrities
Monaco's big-screen appearances aren't just limited to wrapping the wrist of ‘King of Cool’ Steve McQueen. Al Pacino, one of the most influential actors of the 20th century, was also seen sporting the chronograph in the 2007 thriller film 88 Minutes.
Another American actor who took Monaco on a movie set is Matthew McConaughey, who wore the watch in the 2003 romantic comedy film How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. From Will Smith to Brad Pitt, Monaco has successfully found its place in the watch collections of many celebrities.
A Look Back
The vintage Monaco range featured two types of automatic chronographs and two types of manual winding chronographs. One of the references, the 1133, paved the way for the chronomatic and transitional batch of Monacos. The chronomatic Monaco was produced for a very short time, giving way to the transitional version, altering the look of the watch from chronomatic blue to the standard production Reference 1133B, as worn by Steve McQueen.
In 1972, Heuer launched the Calibre 15 movement, having a 30-minute chronograph register at 3 o'clock and running seconds at 9.30 on the dial, to present an entirely new look for the Calibre 15 Monaco chronographs. In the year 1975, the Monaco was discontinued and the first re-edition of the Monaco was showcased in 1997.
Since then, this celebrated timepiece has been offered in different styles, interesting colors, robust configurations, and hardy materials, following the design codes of the very first models from the 1970s. The Monaco has been ahead of its time and in the last 25 years, it has become a timeless design that collectors and enthusiasts revel in.
Specifications
TAG Heuer Monaco Purple Dial Limited Edition
Reference Number: CBL2118.FC6518
Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
Power Reserve: 80 hours (approx.)
Dial: Purple sunray and smoked brushed dial
Case Material: Polished and fine-brushed stainless-steel case
Diameter: 39mm
Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters
Strap: Black alligator leather with steel folding clasp
Price: HKD 57,650
For further information, visit TAG Heuer.
