While we’ll happily admit that square-faced watches aren’t for every buyer, the TAG Heuer Monaco (one of the first automatic chronographs on the market) has remained universally respected for half a decade, thanks in part to affiliation with Steve McQueen. To celebrate 50 years of iconic Monaco in 2019, the brand will release five special pieces kicking off with the TAG Heuer Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edition.
Having debuted at the Monaco Grand Prix last month, the legendary event that gave the watch its name back in 1969, the Tag Heuer Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edition (Ref.CAW211V.FC6466) arrives in a very limited run of 169 watches worldwide.
Known in the watch game as a ‘Côtes de Genève’ finish, the period correct green and brown dial is complemented by subtle yellow and red highlights with a red chronograph seconds hand, housed in a brushed and polished 39mm steel case.
On the wrist, Monaco chronographs tend to wear a lot larger than you’d expect from a 39x39mm case and the Tag Heuer Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edition is no different. With a height of roughly 15mm including the sapphire, the watch Monaco boasts heft and presence.
The captivating dial is ever changing depending on the lighting conditions. Indoors I see predominantly green which morphs into brown, outside yellow pops and the red comes to life as the sun strikes the textured ‘Côtes de Genève’ finish.
Strapping the Tag Heuer Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edition to the wrist is a perforated automotive inspired brown leather strap which can be fine-tuned to fit any size wrist with the accompanying steel folding clasp.
Under the ‘One of 169’ steel case back is the Sellita SW-300 based TAG Heuer Automatic Calibre 11 with 40 hours of power that enables the time, date and chronograph functions which operate with a firm push into the case.
Even without a penchant for square timepieces, the Tag Heuer Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edition is a watch that’s hard not to love. I was enthralled with the colourful and chameleon-like dial all weekend, in fact, I think it’s one of the better-executed dials I’ve seen all year. It really has to be seen in the flesh to be appreciated.
I haven’t been overly familiar with the Monaco collection since a brief period of ownership with the popular automatic WW2110 (on rubber). While it only offered time and date functionality from its 37mm case, I was surprised at the height and how much larger the 39mm felt on the wrist.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to add a Monaco to your collection or have had your heart set on one to wear every day, you won’t regret acquiring this Tag Heuer Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edition. It’s a lovely thing to wear and look at, and dare I say it, may even rise in value (at the very least retain) given the limited quantity produced.
The Tag Heuer Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edtion is restricted to just 169 pieces and retails for AU$8,600.
For more information, visit tagheuer.com
