If you're reading this article shortly after it's been published, you probably missed the Monaco Grand Prix.
Or perhaps you're multitasking, which I would advise against; keep your eyes on the road! Either way, TAG Heuer is releasing a new version of the Monaco Chronograph to honor the race in Monaco.
We invite you to take a look at this new model from TAG Heuer, dressed in black and blue with yellow accents.
A New Outfit for TAG Heuer Monaco
Under the hood, it’s the same watch as the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Automatic ref. CBL2111.FC6453. They share the same 39mm case and the Heuer 02 (TH20-00) movement. The differences might primarily be aesthetic, but they are significant.
To start, the case is now made of Grade 2 titanium, which is sandblasted and then coated with black DLC. The case thickness is reported to be 15.2mm, and the lug-to-lug length is 47.4mm. Water resistance remains at 100 meters, and the crystals on the top and back of the case are still sapphire.
However, this model offers a skeletonized dial. Like the case, it is sandblasted and then coated with blue lacquer. This allows a view of the TH20-00 movement beneath and gives it a more modern technical aesthetic. TAG Heuer completes the look with a yellow chronograph hand and yellow accents on the back. Finally, the new Monaco version comes on a blue calf leather and rubber strap with a titanium folding clasp with black coating.
First Impressions of the TAG Heuer Monaco in Black and Blue
The press release we received for this watch left me a bit astonished. It describes that the blue color was chosen as a tribute to the Mediterranean coast. Additionally, the yellow accents symbolize sparks flying from Formula 1 cars. Most brands do this, so I might be unfairly singling out TH, but come on... really? You can just pick colors because they look good. There's no need to come up with contrived justifications. In my view, this signals that brands are grasping at straws for relevance, and that's not good. I believe that a watch should stand on its own, without needing to lean on a contrived context. Let me know in the comments if you agree with this or if I'm being too harsh.
Nevertheless, I like the color combination. I'm partial to the mix of black and blue. There's a slight dissonance to it that I enjoy. Additionally, the yellow accents nicely enliven this otherwise rather somber Monaco. Frankly, it doesn't need an excuse.
I'm not thrilled with the skeletonized dial. The top side of most calibers is not meant for display, which diminishes the effect of skeletonization. Unless there's a sufficiently intricate movement underneath, I see no point in an open dial. In this case, it gives the watch a more technical, futuristic look. However, as with the color scheme, it seems somewhat contrived.
Pricing and Availability
The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph in black-coated titanium is available now. Its price is 11,000 Swiss Francs, which is almost one and a half times more than the classic steel model. I think watch enthusiasts will lean towards the classic option. However, TAG Heuer uses these thematic releases to appeal to a different audience, as does Tudor. In this sense, my opinion is moot, as I'm not the target audience.
What do you think of the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph in Grade 2 black titanium with a DLC coating and a skeletonized dial? Does it hold an honorable place in your collection? Or is it in the first turn, in Sainte Devote? Let us know in the Telegram channel!
Technical Specifications
- Dial: Sandblasted and skeletonized dial with blue lacquer coating, black subdials, and white Super-LumiNova indices
- Case Material: Grade 2 titanium with sandblasting and black DLC coating
- Case Dimensions: 39mm (diameter) × 47.4mm (lug-to-lug) × 15.2mm (thickness)
- Case Back: Grade 2 titanium with sandblasting and black DLC coating, sapphire glass
- Movement: Heuer 02 (TH20-00): automatic chronograph with manual winding, frequency 28,800 vph, 80-hour power reserve, 33 jewels, column wheel, vertical coupling
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Strap: Blue textured calf leather and rubber with a titanium folding clasp with black coating
- Functions: Time (hours, minutes, small seconds) and chronograph (12-hour and 30-minute registers, central second)