BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
After an extensive 50th anniversary celebration of the Monaco Chronograph last year, TAG Heuer recently announced a few new Monaco references. Featuring black and blue sunburst dials these new watches are equipped with the in-house Heuer 02 movement and come with multiple strap options that include a new H link stainless steel bracelet.
The TAG Heuer Monaco is easily one of the most distinctive chronograph’s out there. The square-shaped case with that custom sapphire crystal and short angular lugs create a look that cannot be mistaken for anything else. The new Tag Heuer Monaco Heuer 02 sticks to the much-loved design DNA and features a 39mm square that has been crafted from stainless steel and is water-resistant to a healthy 100 meters. The right side of the case is flanked by two angular chronograph pushers at 2 and 4, and a nice grippy crown at 3, which was located on the left on the older models.
Like the case, the dial on the new Monaco Heuer 02 is classic Monaco for the most part, with a few exceptions. Presented in black or blue, with a sunburst finish, the dial features familiar applied and polished markers, a white printed minute track with circular lume plots at intervals of 5 with double lume pips at 12, twin white sunken sub-registers at 3 and 9, and a date window at 6. One noticeable difference compared to the older Monaco watches is the running second’s hand, which now floats directly on the dial just above the date window without disturbing the balance of the dial. The hands have a baton-style shape style and the hands for the chronograph functions have been painted red to add a splash of color to the dial.
Under the hood of this watch ticks TAG Heuer’s in-house Heuer 02 movement. A column-wheel based chronograph movement the Heuer 02 operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and offers an autonomy of around 80 hours when fully wound. The movement is visible through the sapphire case back.
The new Tag Heuer Monaco Black can be purchased on a strap or a bracelet whereas the Blue dial version can only be had on the bracelet. The bracelet blends perfectly with the case and does not look like an afterthought flowing smoothly from the lugs to the clasp. It gives the watch a sporty look and is finely brushed with polished center links. The retail price has been set at USD 6,750.
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