ReviewTAG Heuer’s Latest Monaco Chronograph Skeleton In Dark Blue: Continuing A Legacy Of Motorsports

Since 1969, the legacy of TAG Heuer’s Monaco timepiece has been well-secured as one of the most iconic chronograph watches in modern history. In 1971, the connection between TAG Heuer and the world of motorsports was solidified when American actor Steve McQueen wore the watch in a film about a 24-hour race, titled Le Mans. The newest TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph continues the legacy, with a bit more avant-garde flair added to the mix. 

The Iconic Monaco Chronograph Receives A Contemporary Upgrade

One look at this recent TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph makes it apparent that we’ve come a long way from the design codes of the original ‘Steve McQueen’ Monaco, which at the time was considered ahead of its time. Of late, the Monaco collection has served as TAG Heuer’s playground for innovation, as we saw the Monaco Skeleton Chronograph launched just a year ago.

Set in a square case, measuring 39mm by 39mm, the overall design of the newly-launched Monaco Chronograph is consistent with the collection’s DNA, which was to be expected. The newness of this timepiece lies in the material and mostly the colours of the watch, along with the skeletonisation. 

With its lug-to-lug length of 47mm, the watch has quite a wrist presence. Lightweight yet sturdy, the titanium case is handy, making it perfect for racing conditions, though you probably won’t be driving a Formula One car anytime soon. Crafted in a sand-blasted grade-2 titanium, the case features a black DLC coating, while the blue hue eminent on the dial shines through. The classic detail of the bevelled sapphire crystal glass remains the same as in the previous Monacos, and the watch offers water resistance up to 100m. 

The dark blue hue chosen for this watch is meant to pay tribute to the Principality of Monaco’s racing tradition. With a date display at six o’clock, the skeletonised dial offers a clear view of the Heuer 02 calibre, which can store a power reserve of 80 hours. 

Another neat and immediately noticeable detail is the vibrant yellow seen on the chronograph hands, which adds a jolt of contrast. According to the brand, the yellow ‘is reminiscent of the sparks that fly from racing cars at high speeds’. We’ve got to say, the designers at TAG Heuer sure have a vivid imagination. 

The Colours And Luminosity Of The New Monaco Chronograph Skeleton

Ever since its launch, the Monaco has always been quite a futuristic timepiece. The essence of that is present in this timepiece, especially when you view it in low-light conditions. 

Filled with blue Super-LumiNova, the hour and the minute hands, as well as the white, carved indexes, complement each other, lending an overall geometric design, which gives the dial an ethereal vibe, with the use of luminescent lines. The date window and its pointer are also lit up with the luminous material.

Pictured here is Max Verstappen, one of the best Formula One drivers in the world, wearing the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph timepiece

With this timepiece, the brand successfully continue to retain their close affiliation with the world of motorsports

Essentially, the new Monaco Chronograph is a colour update on the previous skeletonised versions of the watch, but it’s a welcome addition to the range

01

On the other side, the transparent caseback allows you to see the calibre Heuer 02, with its column wheel, responsible for the chronograph, in full view. A blackened rotor with a yellow contrast is visible as well. 

Essentially, the new Monaco Chronograph is a colour update on the previous skeletonised versions of the watch, but it’s a welcome addition to the range. It adds to the connection between the brand and the world of motorsports, while delivering another futuristic-looking watch that isn’t necessarily targeting those who prefer tradition.