Historically an aftermarket customiser of Rolex watches, Bamford Watch Department recently got the seal of approval from establishment watch brands after inking an agreement with TAG Heuer and Zenith. Now the “authorised customiser” for the twin brands, Bamford’s first serially produced design for TAG Heuer has just been unveiled: the classic Monaco with an unusual carbon composite case.

Bamford’s all-black watches are traditionally black-coated metal, making the case material for the Monaco Bamford a novelty. It’s lightweight carbon composite, with the carbon fibres inside the polymer arranged at random, creating a marbled appearance.

That’s matched with pale blue for the sub-dials, minute track and hands, as well as the logo on the crown – a colour combination that is typical of the high-contrast creations of Bamford Watch Department, founded by George Bamford, the son of English excavator tycoon Anthony Bamford.

Though the material is new, the case is the same 39mm as the classic Monaco remake, and powered by the same Calibre 11. That’s actually an ETA 2892 with a chronograph module on top, as well as the crown sited on the left of the case to mimic the configuration of the Chronomatic Calibre 11 used in the vintage Monaco.

Price and availability 

Limited to 500 pieces, the Monaco Bamford (ref. CAW2190.FC6437) is priced at US$8100 or S$11,400. It will be available only at TAG Heuer boutiques and its online store.

Correction March 27, 2018: The Monaco Bamford is a limited edition, and not part of the regular collection.