TAG HEUER MONACO GRAND PRIX de MONACO HISTORIQUE LIMITED EDITION
TAG HEUER MONACO GRAND PRIX de MONACO HISTORIQUE LIMITED EDITION
Even though the winding streets of Monaco are set to remain unusually quiet for the foreseeable future, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Limited Edition watch stands as a spirited tribute to a race that never was.
Like many other sporting events around the world, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique which was to have been held 8-10 May 2020, was of course cancelled. Nevertheless, as Official Timekeeper of the event, TAG Heuer have gone ahead with the unveiling of the watch which was to have heralded the latest chapter in the story of the Heuer/Monaco legacy.
Few watch companies would not relish the marketing opportunity to become involved with the acclaimed Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, a race which traditionally begins with “Gentlemen, please start your engines…” But, perhaps it would be true to say that none are more deserving of the association than TAG Heuer.
Modern motorsport is a fickle world, and there is a lot of comings and goings and on/off watch brand/racing team dalliances. But one marque was there at the beginning and the man we have to thank for this is Jack Heuer.
To call Mr Heuer industry savvy is an understatement. The man was responsible for forging links with motorsport which are still so strong that if you follow F1 you will have seen the TAG Heuer logo a thousand times.
Heuer’s brand was F1’s first non-automotive sponsor and it became as intrinsically linked with Ferrari as Agip's flame-spitting six-legged black dog. From 1971 to 1979 every Ferrari F1 car had a strategically placed Heuer logo. As for Monaco, the TAG Heuer marque is so intrinsically linked with the famous street racing circuit, they can state with confidence that they “have sponsored more first-placed Monaco drivers than any other brand”.
Already Official Watch of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Monaco Top Cars Collection, this year TAG Heuer take over from Chopard as Official Timekeeper of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, a beautiful race during which every corner of the Principality echoes with the sound of “real” engines.
In honour of their newest commitment, the company have unveiled a new limited edition watch complete with a racy red dial and a perforated strap.
While many favour the clean styling of the TAG Heuer Carrera collection, their squared-cased Monaco models have the irresistible McQueen/Le Mans/Heuer connection.
Sized to be wearable at 39mm x 39mm, this 1000 piece edition carries a vibrant red and white dial with hints of sun-brushing which will catch and play with the light. Deep recessing on the counters, red dot hour markers and a petite Grand Prix de Monaco Historique logo at the one o’clock add to the pleasure. As with all Monaco models there is a vintage feel to its design and it has the superb side-on fuzziness where the sapphire meets the bezel.
While you get a nudge back to 1970s Grande Corniche with the red/white dial, inside the case ticks a thoroughly modern Calibre Heuer 02 automatic movement, which notably has an integrated chronograph with vertical clutch mechanism, rather than a modular timer slapped on to the top as was the case with the collection’s previously used Calibre 12.
Turn it over, and the sapphire caseback reveals the limited series provenance “one of 1000” while the sapphire has an almost ruinous engraving of “Monaco GrandPrix Historique”.
Released in a limited run of 1000 pieces, the TAG Heuer Monaco Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Limited Edition comes presented on a very dapper perforated leather strap.
Fact File: TAG HEUER MONACO GRAND PRIX de MONACO HISTORIQUE LIMITED EDITION
REFERENCE: CBL2114.FC6486
MANUFACTURER: TAG Heuer
LIMITED EDITION: 1000 pieces
CASE: Stainless steel, brushed and polished finishes. Sapphire caseback with décor.
SIZE: ø 39.0 mm x 39.0mm
DIAL: Rhodium-plated, red sun-ray finishing, rhodium-plated indices and hands
MOVEMENT: Calibre Heuer 02 automatic movement, in-house, 28,000vph
FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters, date.
POWER RESERVE: 80 hours
BRACELET/STRAP: Black calfskin leather, perforated.
BUCKLE: Stainless steel folding clasp
WATERPROOF RATING: 100m
