Limited to 1,000 pieces: French Racing Blue Monaco Chronograph
In the early days of auto racing, the colors of the cars represented their national origin. The Monaco, released in the summer of 2023, features Bleu de France, a blue color representing France.
TAG Heuer’s unmistakable series, with a legendary history, is named after the Circuit de Monaco racetrack. Several Swiss brand watch families—Formula 1, Monza, Carrera, Silverstone—also reference auto racing in their names. Since French is the official language of the principality on the French Riviera, it is no surprise that TAG Heuer chose the “Racing Blue” color for the watch.
The first Monaco appeared in 1969 as the tangible result of a fast-paced and secret project in which the world’s leading watchmakers competed for the honor of creating the first automatic chronograph. For the movement named Calibre 11, Heuer selected a groundbreaking square case and positioned the crown on the left side.
The case diameter is 39 millimeters
Since then, the Monaco has held a special place in the brand’s heart and history, and it remains an important element of TAG Heuer’s identity. For many, the TAG Heuer Monaco will always be associated with one of its generation’s greatest actors, Steve McQueen. In 1970, during the filming of Le Mans, the Hollywood superstar decided to wear the same racing suit and watch as the professional driver and his film coach, Jo Siffert. In this way, he sought to embody the role of an authentic race car driver. He soon became a defining style icon of his era, proudly wearing his Heuer Monaco on his wrist.
Over the years, the TAG Heuer Monaco has continuously evolved, incorporating new materials, technologies, and design elements that turn it into a true work of art. Thanks to its bold solutions, it quickly became a symbol of the brand’s avant-garde spirit. The latest version of the Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue is no exception, paying tribute to the incredible racing heritage and the indelible mark TAG Heuer has left on the sport.
In the early days of auto racing, cars were distinguished by national colors rather than manufacturer or sponsor colors. Each country had its own distinctive shade, such as the famous British racing green and vivid Italian red. Initially, Germany used white before switching to silver, while the French adopted their unmistakable blue.
The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue color evokes the appearance of highly esteemed car models such as the Talbot-Lago, the Delage, and not least the famous Bugatti Type 35. The subdials and strap range across shades of azure blue, while the indices appear in lighter tones. The striking lime-yellow lacquer on the seconds hand and the 12 o’clock index adds a fresh pop of color to the timepiece, perfectly complementing the model’s color palette.
The watch’s silver sunburst dial is reminiscent of the metal-framed dashboards of 1920s and 1930s sports cars. The dial features eight horizontally (!) applied indices. Around the perimeter, 12 blue lacquered dots make it easier to read the time accurately. These, along with the Super-LumiNova® filling of the hour and minute hands, aid visibility in the dark while looking stunning.
The watch is powered by the Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement, housed in a sandblasted Grade 2 titanium case. Both the dial and the exhibition case back are protected by sapphire crystal, offering a view of the movement inside.
A TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue egy kék színű, perforált borjúbőr szíjjal rendelkezik, újabb egyértelmű utalásként az autóversenyzésre. A szíjat egy titánból készült összecsukható csat rögzíti, amelyen a vintage Heuer-logót láthatjuk.
The case back of the Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue is engraved with “One of 1000,” indicating its limited edition, and the watch is presented in a uniquely designed, vibrant blue packaging with lime-yellow decorative elements.
