The original Heuer Monaco (back before TAG got involved) is something of an icon within watch collecting circles, as the timepiece worn by Steve McQueen in the classic car film Le Mans. Instantly recognisable by its large square case, this year TAG Heuer has launched a special edition Monaco inspired by one of the rarest references to ever leave the factory in the “Dark Lord”.
The full name of this latest release might be the TAG Heuer Monaco Special Edition 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, but there’s absolutely no question about the source of its inspiration arriving from the Monaco ref. 74033N from the 1970s. However, a 1-to-1 replica of the original “Dark Lord” would have been boring, so for this new Monaco TAG Heuer has played with a couple of different design elements of the watch to bring it into 2022.
Firstly, rather than the traditional steel case, TAG Heuer has opted for a titanium case with a black DLC coating that measures 39mm square. As well as the surfaces of the case, the chronograph pushers, crown and even caseback have all received a similar blacked-out treatment, apart from a sapphire crystal window in the caseback that shows off the movement within.
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Arriving at the dial and we see a surface that has been separated into two distinct parts, with a concentrically brushed area where the subdials and hands are, as well as a roughly textured outer area that delivers a strong contrast. On the dial, we find another contemporary design cue in the rose-gold-plated hands and hour markers, adding a level of warmth to an otherwise relatively austere dial. In a trio of high-contrast pops of colour, the chronograph hands are red, in a nod to the original orange hands from the 1970s.
Powering the 2022 edition of the TAG Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord” is an updated movement in the Calibre Heuer 02, which contains a column wheel and vertical clutch, while delivering 80 hours of power reserve. It’s quickly becoming the go-to chronograph calibre for TAG Heuer, with the movements in these special edition chronographs receiving the special rose gold plated rotor to match the hands and hour markers.
Launched in line with the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, in which the TAG Heuer-sponsored Red Bull team would go on to take first and third place, the new “Dark Lord” special edition is a timely heritage reissue that speaks directly to the brand’s motor racing history. Arriving with an RRP of $11,850, the new TAG Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord” is currently available from TAG Heuer boutiques and online.
