ONE WATCH PER DECADE
On the 50th anniversary of the Monaco chronograph, TAG Heuer has decided to mark each decade of its iconic model by unveiling a new limited edition. Here we focus on the first of its five watches.
2019 marks the 50th anniversary of TAG Heuer‘s ultimate watch: the Monaco model. Launched simultaneously in New York and Geneva on March 3, 1969, this square automatic chronograph was swiftly adopted by Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert (1936-1971) then worn by the American actor Steve McQueen (1930-1980) in the film Le Mans (1971). Extending the festivities throughout the year, the brand has decided to celebrate this half century by releasing five timely series each inspired by a decade of the famous watch. The new Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edition model available in only 169 pieces is the first of this anniversary series.
Unveiled in Monaco on May 24, the time piece is powered by a modernized version of its original automatic movement, the 11 caliber. This engine, which offers a power reserve of 40 hours, is located in the famous square steel case (39 x 39 mm) and is water resistant up to 100 m with a crown at 9 o’clock and pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock.
The khaki green dial is finished with vertical Geneva stripes and accompanied by a minute counter interspersed at five-minute intervals with yellow batons and mahogany. The hour index markers are silver, polished and faceted. In the center, the metallic and luminescent hour and minute hands are tipped with an arrow in brownish red, a warm shade which is also picked up in the second hand of the chronograph. Two dark gray counters with a sunray effect display the small seconds, highlighted in yellow at 3 o’clock, and the minutes of the chronograph at 9 o’clock. To complete it, the date is displayed at 6 o’clock.
This Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edition comes with an aged brown perforated calfskin strap and a steel folding buckle.
Price: 6,400 CHF www.tagheuer.com
By Sharmila Bertin