TAG Heuer, which has created many legendary models well known by watch lovers, continues to decorate the dreams of both watch enthusiasts and experienced collectors especially with Carrera, Monza, Autavia and Monaco models from the Heuer Classics series. Of course, all models in the Heuer Classics group are of great importance in terms of both brand and watchmaking history, but there is no doubt the first model that comes to mind is the Monaco.
The Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133, which has been worn by the legendary actor Steve McQueen in his blockbuster movie “LeMans” in 1971, is considered one of the most charismatic timepieces of luxury watchmaking. The model we have here for review is the perfectly arranged modern version of this iconic watch.
When the calendars showed in 1969, Heuer was producing three different series equipped with the Caliber 11 movement, which is considered as a milestone in the history of watchmaking: Monaco, Carrera and Autavia. At that time, Heuer claiming for being the manufacturer of world’s first automatic chronograph watch was not quite an accurate statement. However, it surely was the manufacturer of the world’s first automatic chronograph watch with a square case.
The square form of the case is the most distinctive feature of the model. Frankly speaking, we are very pleased to see that TAG Heuer was mostly loyal to the original version. The most striking feature of the case, which stays loyal to the original version with details like short and slightly rounded lugs and mostly stain finished surfaces, is the winding crown located at the left side of the watch.
Those design details, which are appreciated by classic Heuer fans as well as most of the watch enthusiasts, tribute to the original version while highlighting the model’s connection with the Calibre 11 movement.
In addition to these pleasing similarities, it is noteworthy that chronograph pushers are designed differently. The pushers, which would normally be appreciated by us with their integrated design that would allow easy use, provides a non-period correct look when used in a modern version of such an historic timepiece. It will not be fair to call that detail a flaw but frankly speaking, we would like to see the original pushers.
The model is equipped with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal on the front face instead of a hesalite one like the original version. Being a solid proof for modern touches offering user-friendly features even on re-issue models, the sapphire crystal is designed in box shape mimicking the old hesalite crystal. Offering a perfect visual harmony with the rest of the design, the sapphire crystal gets our full score for being suitable for daily use.
When we get to the dial, TAG Heuer continues to make us happy with the design details that remain true to the original version. The most important detail of the dial which pays tribute to the original version with features like the glamorous blue tone and the slightly rounded square shaped chronograph sub-dials, is the is the horizontally designed hour markers. This detail, which is a simple design detail for users who are not affiliated with the model’s history, brings a smile to the faces of watch enthusiasts who are familiar with vintage Monaco models.
Caliber 11 is undoubtedly a very important movement for both TAG Heuer and history of traditional watchmaking. This movement, which is considered as the starting point of the developments in today’s automatic chronographs, has a different place for Monaco. TAG Heuer, which designed the movement based on a Sellita, does not neglect to tribute to the history of the model by supplying the chronograph module from Dubois Depraz, which was the supplier for the original Caliber 11 as well.
The black racing strap offers great harmony with the rest of the watch like it was tailored exclusively for this model. The strap, which is extremely comfortable to wear and versatile for every occasion, is secured by a Heuer signed stainless steel folding clasp. Of course, there will be users who would like to have the pin buckle like the original but we think the clasp is a nice upgrade.
The wearing comfort of the watch is extremely successful. The winding crown located at the left side of the case that wear a tad bigger than 39mm due to its square shape, provides extra comfort while supporting retro character of the model.
TAG Heuer Monaco is definitely a beautiful watch. It was beautiful when it first came out and we believe that it will always remain beautiful. Having the most iconic square shaped chronograph in a brilliantly designed re-issue version that stays loyal to the original version is an important advantage.
