SpotlightLumos! Introducing The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Night Driver
TAG Heuer’s monochromatic Monaco Chronograph Night Driver transforms—almost magically—into a source of light in the dark, owing to the new Super-LumiNova-coated dial
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In a well-lit room, or car, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Night Driver looks like any other iconic monochromatic watch, with a square dial in light grey, framing a circle in darker grey that displays chronograph recorders in the same lighter grey as the outer quadrilateral. But turn off the lights and the simple grey watch transforms into a source of light itself—the outer square dial and the chronograph recorders light up with Super-LumiNova. The function is simple—the Monaco chronograph has always been a driver’s watch, and the latest Night Driver aims to elevate the motorist’s experience of driving in the dark. Trust TAG Heuer to take a simple idea and effectively turn it into something this magical.
A Driver’s Tool: The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph
Released in 1969 and named after the principality that shares a border with France, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph first shot to fame in 1970 on the wrist of actor Steve McQueen, in a film about the world’s toughest endurance race, Le Mans. Its iconic 39mm square case has since become a symbol of racing, and the Monaco Chronograph is by far the most recognisable square racing watch available today.
Drivin’ In The Dark: Monaco Chronograph Night Driver
The 39mm titanium case of the Monaco Chronograph Night Driver is coated with black diamond-like carbon (DLC), making it a lightweight yet tough tool for drivers. A domed square sapphire crystal glass shields the dial, its bevelling around the edges letting light play with the watch’s grey hues. A light anthracite grey square in a grained finish and eight black gold-plated indexes surrounds a darker grey circle, with the minute track around its periphery, luminous dots for hour markers and three chronograph recorders. A small, black lacquered hand and a light grey ‘+’ sign are the only indications that the permanent seconds counter is at six o’clock, with the date window nestled within. The other two sub-dials are distinct squares—the 30-minute counter at three and the 12-hour recorder at nine o’clock are in the same grained light grey finish as the outer square.
Like the instruments on the car’s dashboard, the outer square, two chronograph recorders at three and nine, TAG Heuer Monaco logo at 12 o’clock, luminous hour markers and minute track on the inner circular dial, and the lume-filled timekeeping hands light up in dim light. The glow of the Super-LumiNova lasts a good three hours when charged in light for a few minutes, long enough for a joyride in a sports car—or bike—on delightfully uncrowded city roads, or to groove to a bunch of songs on a darkened dance floor—whatever one’s preference may be. Point is, it’s a beauty to behold, and a conversation starter either way.
Steady Heart Of The Monaco Chronograph Night Driver
Inside this gorgeously luminous timepiece is the Heuer 02 automatic calibre, with a traditional column wheel to trigger the chronograph, and a whopping 80-hour power reserve. This movement is visible through the sapphire crystal circular display on the caseback, which mirrors the circle-within-a-square display on the dial. It also displays the brand logo, and the words ‘Cal Heuer 02’ and ‘Swiss made’ in a blue shade that matches that of the Super-LumiNova on the dial.
The watch is presented on a perforated racing leather strap, and is a limited edition of 600 pieces. An excellent driver’s tool, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Night Driver is also much more. Just the way this simple timepiece transforms in the dark is nothing short of magic. Mischief managed. Nox!
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TAG Heuer Monaco
CBL2181.FC6515
