TAG Heuer Monaco
Encyclopedia
The TAG Heuer Monaco is a series of automatic
chronograph
wristwatch
originally introduced by Heuer
in 1969 in honour of the Monaco Grand Prix
. The Monaco was revolutionary for being the first automatic as well as the first square cased chronograph. The Hollywood film star Steve McQueen
used the watch to accessorize his character in the 1971 film Le Mans
. In the decades after his death the use of film stills has made the watch synonymous with McQueen. Although it was discontinued in the mid-1970s
, the Monaco was reissued with a new design in 1998 and was reintroduced again with an entirely new mechanisms in 2003 in response to McQueen's increasing popularity.
Early versions came with two different colour schemes. The first (represented by the letter B at the end of the reference code) had a metallic blue dial with white registers. The other (represented by the letter G) had a metallic gray dial and registers. The G model is less popular with collectors.
race, the original Jack Heuer designed Monaco was introduced simultaneously in Geneva
and New York
in 1969. The watch used the mechanism of the Calibre 11 (also known as the Chronomatic) and was the first automatic micro-winding chronograph.. The Monaco was the first square-cased and water resistant
chronograph.
The original model came with a Chronomatic lettering at top of dial and Monaco at the bottom. In later models, the Monaco lettering can be seen on top with Automatic Chronograph at the bottom. The lettering appears on all Calibre variants. It was removed after the Valjoux movement was introduced in later production life.
Soon after the watch was in production, a version was released with a improved Calibre 12 mechanism. As rare as the original, it is believed that 800 were made before it was discontinued.
when he wore it in his 1971 film
, Le Mans
. His association with this model began when McQueen sought the advice of his friend Jo Siffert
to increase the accuracy of his race car
driver role. Siffert, in addition to being a racing driver, was also spokesperson for both Heuer and Gulf Oil
. At McQueen’s request, Siffert lent him his racing suit which was adorned with Gulf Oil
's colors and an embroidered "Chronograph HEUER" crest over the right breast. In order to complete the look, McQueen opted for the newly introduced B model Calibre 12 Monaco.
After McQueen arrived home following filming, he gave his watch to his financial advisor as a token of appreciation. The advisor was credited with returning McQueen and his company, Solar Productions Inc., into the black after they encountered financial problems during filming. Because of his association, the 1133 is commonly nicknamed "McQueen Monaco".
Even after his death in 1980
, McQueen's name continued to be associated with the watch. TAG Heuer capitalized on his continuing popularity by using films stills of McQueen wearing his Monaco watch in advertising campaigns. In 1998, TAG Heuer reissued the model as a limited edition with a production run of 5,000 watches.
The McQueen Monaco has become one of the most sought after pieces in the international vintage markets. As only a handful of the original are believed to be still in existence, demand far exceeds supply. Original blue models are capable of reaching $9,000 with decent example going for $7,000. The less desirable gray models go for over $6,000.
1533s sell within the $3,500 to $4,500 range with the blue model typically fetching a premium.
7736 movement.
In all, aside the blue models, the other two of the three variants, 73633G, came originally entirely in grey, later it was replaced by the black/dark grey subdials.
Blue models typically command $4,500 to $6,000.
) variant, model 74033N; uses a special black coating where the name came from.
It was also one of the more controversial Heuer chronographs as until 2007, its authenticity had been long debated as some enthusiasts denied that the came from the Heuer factory, others stated that less than twenty were made. Stories about the watch wary from sources to sources
In August 2007, Jack Heuer confirmed its production by Heuer which caused so much auction activity in July and August 2007. Being a rarer example of the Monacos, the best example broke over the $10,000 mark. A excellent condition model sold for $7,500.
Despite the company being acquired by Techniques d'Avant Garde
, meaning all subsequent models now bear the current "TAG Heuer" logo on its face, the CS2110 bears the old HEUER logo of its predecessors.
With a new updated casing design, it came in a "T" dial automatic movement with a black dial and leather strap, tan strap was the other choice. This model differ externally by its placement of the winding crown that is on the 3 o'clock position, rather that on the 9.
This model runs on a Calibre 17 mechanism. As with all other models in production at the time, this version features the current logo, rather than the old "HEUER" logo of the previous re-edition.
watch trade show. The V4 is belt driven
and uses ball bearing
s for mechanisms rather than the traditional wheels
and pinion
s.
The mechanism was inspired by the movement of a automobile
engine
. Designed by Jean-François Ruchonnet with the help of independent master watchmaker Philippe Dufour, the watch is powered by four barrels storing 375 g of energy each, that is visible through the back.
The watch is distinctive for its two sided face. On one side it uses the Caliber 2 mechanism, but on the other, when flipped over; it features a quartz
Caliber HR03 readout.
The watch was released in production in 2005 which it won the Le Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève
prize.
Unlike typical chronograph watches, there is no stopwatch dial. The watch features a 1/100th chronograph counter exterior to the chronograph engine, a 15 minute counter embedded in the chronograph engine, a similarly embedded 100 minute power reserve indicator and a linear second indicator at 3 o’clock using an exclusive hairspring technology, a first of its type.
race and bearing the distinctive striping of the Gulf Oil
color livery, the watch takes its design cues from the Le Mans Prototypes that participate in the annual classic.
The Calibre 36 movement is cased within a steel-tube housing that can be seen through the dial face. The watch is constructed in industrial-grade tungsten.
According to an announcement by Jean-Christophe Babin, president of TAG Heuer, the watch is also named after the fact that it can withstand an impact of 24,000G, which is an equivalent to a 20 meter fall.
dial that is adorned with 13 Top Wesselton diamonds and a case embellished with 26 Top Wesselton diamonds at the bezel.
Automatic watch
An automatic or self-winding watch is a mechanical watch, whose mainspring is wound automatically by the natural motion of the wearer's arm, providing energy to run the watch, to make it unnecessary to manually wind the watch. A watch which is not self-winding is called a manual watch...
chronograph
Chronograph
A chronograph is a timepiece or watch with both timekeeping and stopwatch functions as well as other functions. Pocket watch chronographs were produced as early as the 18th century but did not become popular until the 1820s...
wristwatch
Watch
A watch is a small timepiece, typically worn either on the wrist or attached on a chain and carried in a pocket, with wristwatches being the most common type of watch used today. They evolved in the 17th century from spring powered clocks, which appeared in the 15th century. The first watches were...
originally introduced by Heuer
TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer is a Swiss luxury watchmaker known for its sports watches and chronographs. It is a division of luxury goods company LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton. The company motto is "Swiss Avant-Garde Since 1860"...
in 1969 in honour of the Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One race held each year on the Circuit de Monaco. Run since 1929, it is widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world, alongside the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans...
. The Monaco was revolutionary for being the first automatic as well as the first square cased chronograph. The Hollywood film star Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen
Terrence Steven "Steve" McQueen was an American movie actor. He was nicknamed "The King of Cool." His "anti-hero" persona, which he developed at the height of the Vietnam counterculture, made him one of the top box-office draws of the 1960s and 1970s. McQueen received an Academy Award nomination...
used the watch to accessorize his character in the 1971 film Le Mans
Le Mans (film)
Le Mans is a 1971 action film directed by Lee H. Katzin. Starring Steve McQueen, it features footage from the actual 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race....
. In the decades after his death the use of film stills has made the watch synonymous with McQueen. Although it was discontinued in the mid-1970s
1970s
File:1970s decade montage.png|From left, clockwise: US President Richard Nixon doing the V for Victory sign after his resignation from office after the Watergate scandal in 1974; Refugees aboard a US naval boat after the Fall of Saigon, leading to the end of the Vietnam War in 1975; The 1973 oil...
, the Monaco was reissued with a new design in 1998 and was reintroduced again with an entirely new mechanisms in 2003 in response to McQueen's increasing popularity.
Design
The watch typically features a pair of pushbuttons at the 2 and 4 o’clock position. The dials for the minute and hour counters are at 9 and 3 o'clock respectively. There is a hand-applied date window at 6 o’clock. The watch also features diamond-tipped horizontal hours indexes. In the original version, the crown is located at the 9 o'clock position on a square casing. The shape was revolutionary at the time for a chronograph watch.Early versions came with two different colour schemes. The first (represented by the letter B at the end of the reference code) had a metallic blue dial with white registers. The other (represented by the letter G) had a metallic gray dial and registers. The G model is less popular with collectors.
Monaco 1133
Named in honour of the Formula OneFormula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
race, the original Jack Heuer designed Monaco was introduced simultaneously in Geneva
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
and New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
in 1969. The watch used the mechanism of the Calibre 11 (also known as the Chronomatic) and was the first automatic micro-winding chronograph.. The Monaco was the first square-cased and water resistant
Waterproofing
Waterproof or water-resistant describes objects relatively unaffected by water or resisting the ingress of water under specified conditions. Such items may be used in wet environments or under water to specified depths...
chronograph.
The original model came with a Chronomatic lettering at top of dial and Monaco at the bottom. In later models, the Monaco lettering can be seen on top with Automatic Chronograph at the bottom. The lettering appears on all Calibre variants. It was removed after the Valjoux movement was introduced in later production life.
Soon after the watch was in production, a version was released with a improved Calibre 12 mechanism. As rare as the original, it is believed that 800 were made before it was discontinued.
"McQueen Monaco"
The Monaco 1133 became synonymous with Steve McQueenSteve McQueen
Terrence Steven "Steve" McQueen was an American movie actor. He was nicknamed "The King of Cool." His "anti-hero" persona, which he developed at the height of the Vietnam counterculture, made him one of the top box-office draws of the 1960s and 1970s. McQueen received an Academy Award nomination...
when he wore it in his 1971 film
1971 in film
The year 1971 in film involved some significant events.-Events:*February 8 - Bob Dylan's hour long documentary film, Eat the Document, premieres at New York's Academy of Music...
, Le Mans
Le Mans (film)
Le Mans is a 1971 action film directed by Lee H. Katzin. Starring Steve McQueen, it features footage from the actual 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race....
. His association with this model began when McQueen sought the advice of his friend Jo Siffert
Jo Siffert
Joseph Siffert was a Swiss racing driver.Affectionately known as "Seppi" to his family and close friends, Siffert was born in Fribourg, Switzerland, the son of a dairy owner...
to increase the accuracy of his race car
Auto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
driver role. Siffert, in addition to being a racing driver, was also spokesperson for both Heuer and Gulf Oil
Gulf Oil
Gulf Oil was a major global oil company from the 1900s to the 1980s. The eighth-largest American manufacturing company in 1941 and the ninth-largest in 1979, Gulf Oil was one of the so-called Seven Sisters oil companies...
. At McQueen’s request, Siffert lent him his racing suit which was adorned with Gulf Oil
Gulf Oil
Gulf Oil was a major global oil company from the 1900s to the 1980s. The eighth-largest American manufacturing company in 1941 and the ninth-largest in 1979, Gulf Oil was one of the so-called Seven Sisters oil companies...
's colors and an embroidered "Chronograph HEUER" crest over the right breast. In order to complete the look, McQueen opted for the newly introduced B model Calibre 12 Monaco.
After McQueen arrived home following filming, he gave his watch to his financial advisor as a token of appreciation. The advisor was credited with returning McQueen and his company, Solar Productions Inc., into the black after they encountered financial problems during filming. Because of his association, the 1133 is commonly nicknamed "McQueen Monaco".
Even after his death in 1980
1980 in film
- Events :* May 21 - Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is released and is the biggest grosser of the year ....
, McQueen's name continued to be associated with the watch. TAG Heuer capitalized on his continuing popularity by using films stills of McQueen wearing his Monaco watch in advertising campaigns. In 1998, TAG Heuer reissued the model as a limited edition with a production run of 5,000 watches.
The McQueen Monaco has become one of the most sought after pieces in the international vintage markets. As only a handful of the original are believed to be still in existence, demand far exceeds supply. Original blue models are capable of reaching $9,000 with decent example going for $7,000. The less desirable gray models go for over $6,000.
Monaco 1533
The Monaco 1533 was the last model to use the Calibre 15 movement. The watch came with a single 30-minute register, positioned on the right rather than the usual two.1533s sell within the $3,500 to $4,500 range with the blue model typically fetching a premium.
Monaco 73633
The Monaco model 73633 was introduced in 1972. Unlike earlier models, the date dial was eliminated in favor of a third subdial powered by a ValjouxValjoux
Valjoux is a Swiss manufacturer of mechanical watch movements. It is known primarily for chronograph ébauche movements that are used in a number of mid- to high-range mechanical watches: The company has been a part of ETA for a number of years and is a member of the Swatch Group...
7736 movement.
In all, aside the blue models, the other two of the three variants, 73633G, came originally entirely in grey, later it was replaced by the black/dark grey subdials.
Blue models typically command $4,500 to $6,000.
Monaco 74033
The Monaco 74033 used a manual wind Valjoux 7740 mechanism. It came in two different colours, the mainstream model came in a Midnight Blue dial with white registers (74033N), its other and rarer variant, the all black PVD (Physical vapor depositionPhysical vapor deposition
Physical vapor deposition is a variety of vacuum deposition and is a general term used to describe any of a variety of methods to deposit thin films by the condensation of a vaporized form of the desired film material onto various workpiece surfaces...
) variant, model 74033N; uses a special black coating where the name came from.
It was also one of the more controversial Heuer chronographs as until 2007, its authenticity had been long debated as some enthusiasts denied that the came from the Heuer factory, others stated that less than twenty were made. Stories about the watch wary from sources to sources
In August 2007, Jack Heuer confirmed its production by Heuer which caused so much auction activity in July and August 2007. Being a rarer example of the Monacos, the best example broke over the $10,000 mark. A excellent condition model sold for $7,500.
Monaco CS2110/1 "Heuer Re-Edition"
This model is a reissued version of the original in 1998 produced in a limited edition of 5,000.Despite the company being acquired by Techniques d'Avant Garde
Techniques d'Avant Garde
TAG Group SA is a private holding company based in Luxembourg City, in southern Luxembourg. At the head is Mansour Ojjeh son of the founder of the TAG Group Akram Ojjeh, who was a wealthy Saudi entrepreneur...
, meaning all subsequent models now bear the current "TAG Heuer" logo on its face, the CS2110 bears the old HEUER logo of its predecessors.
With a new updated casing design, it came in a "T" dial automatic movement with a black dial and leather strap, tan strap was the other choice. This model differ externally by its placement of the winding crown that is on the 3 o'clock position, rather that on the 9.
Monaco CW2113
The Monaco was reintroduced in 2003, with an entirely new mechanism and a 7-row steel bracelet of square links.This model runs on a Calibre 17 mechanism. As with all other models in production at the time, this version features the current logo, rather than the old "HEUER" logo of the previous re-edition.
Monaco V4
The Monaco V4 was introduced in 2004 at the BaselWorldBaselWorld
Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show is a trade show for the watch and jewellery industry organized annually in the city of Basel, Switzerland. The international show unites about 2,100 exhibitors from over 45 countries, including the leading watch and jewelry brands, as well as companies...
watch trade show. The V4 is belt driven
Belt (mechanical)
A belt is a loop of flexible material used to link two or more rotating shafts mechanically. Belts may be used as a source of motion, to transmit power efficiently, or to track relative movement. Belts are looped over pulleys. In a two pulley system, the belt can either drive the pulleys in the...
and uses ball bearing
Ball bearing
A ball bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing that uses balls to maintain the separation between the bearing races.The purpose of a ball bearing is to reduce rotational friction and support radial and axial loads. It achieves this by using at least two races to contain the balls and transmit...
s for mechanisms rather than the traditional wheels
Wheel train (horology)
In horology, a wheel train is the gear train of a mechanical watch or clock. Although the term is used for other types of gear trains, the long history of mechanical timepieces has created a traditional terminology for their gear trains which is not used in other applications of gears.Watch...
and pinion
Pinion
A pinion is a round gear used in several applications:*usually the smallest gear in a gear drive train, although in the case of John Blenkinsop's Salamanca, the pinion was rather large...
s.
The mechanism was inspired by the movement of a automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
. Designed by Jean-François Ruchonnet with the help of independent master watchmaker Philippe Dufour, the watch is powered by four barrels storing 375 g of energy each, that is visible through the back.
Monaco Sixty Nine CW9110
Named after its introduction year, the Monaco Sixty Nine was introduced at the same time as the re-engineered version at the 2003 BaselWorld.The watch is distinctive for its two sided face. On one side it uses the Caliber 2 mechanism, but on the other, when flipped over; it features a quartz
Quartz
Quartz is the second-most-abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust, after feldspar. It is made up of a continuous framework of SiO4 silicon–oxygen tetrahedra, with each oxygen being shared between two tetrahedra, giving an overall formula SiO2. There are many different varieties of quartz,...
Caliber HR03 readout.
The watch was released in production in 2005 which it won the Le Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève
Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève
The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève is a contest between high-end watch manufacturers at the Geneva Watch Festival. The prize logo is used by watch manufacturers in their advertising. There is some debate as to the legitimacy of the contest, because many of the judges are journalists for...
prize.
Monaco Calibre 360 LS
The Monaco Calibre 360 LS (Linear Second) was unveiled at Baselworld 2006. It takes its inspiration from the aforementioned V4.Unlike typical chronograph watches, there is no stopwatch dial. The watch features a 1/100th chronograph counter exterior to the chronograph engine, a 15 minute counter embedded in the chronograph engine, a similarly embedded 100 minute power reserve indicator and a linear second indicator at 3 o’clock using an exclusive hairspring technology, a first of its type.
Monaco Twenty Four
In the 2009 BaselWorld, TAG Heuer introduced a concept watch called the Monaco 24. Named in honor of the 24 Hours of Le Mans24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
race and bearing the distinctive striping of the Gulf Oil
Gulf Oil
Gulf Oil was a major global oil company from the 1900s to the 1980s. The eighth-largest American manufacturing company in 1941 and the ninth-largest in 1979, Gulf Oil was one of the so-called Seven Sisters oil companies...
color livery, the watch takes its design cues from the Le Mans Prototypes that participate in the annual classic.
The Calibre 36 movement is cased within a steel-tube housing that can be seen through the dial face. The watch is constructed in industrial-grade tungsten.
According to an announcement by Jean-Christophe Babin, president of TAG Heuer, the watch is also named after the fact that it can withstand an impact of 24,000G, which is an equivalent to a 20 meter fall.
Monaco Calibre 6 WW211x
The Monaco Calibre 6does not feature a chronograph movement, is listed as Automatic Watch on the Tag website. Running on a Calibre 6 automatic movement which it takes its name from, the watch features a small seconds counter that is seen at the 6 o'clock position. This piece has an exhibition back with the mechanical movement visible.Monaco Classic
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the watch was re-issued as a Monaco Classic with a listed Calibre 11 movement on a limited edition basis of 1,000 in 2009. Despite using the casing of the recent editions, the pushbuttons are mounted in the same position as the originals and uses the old "HEUER" logo. Pictures of the Cal 11 from the Siffert Reissue, however indicate that this new Cal 11 differs from the original - it is not a microrotor, and it has a different jewel count (55 vs. the original 17.)Monaco Grande Date
Introduced in 2009 as a higher end luxury version of the Calibre 6 and marketed toward the fashion-forward and self-assured ladies, the Monaco Grande Date is smaller than typical Monaco models. The watch is only available with a white alligator leather strap with nacreNacre
Nacre , also known as mother of pearl, is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some mollusks as an inner shell layer; it is also what makes up pearls. It is very strong, resilient, and iridescent....
dial that is adorned with 13 Top Wesselton diamonds and a case embellished with 26 Top Wesselton diamonds at the bezel.