Having been appointed official timekeeper of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique just before it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAG Heuer has nonetheless unveiled the watch created for the event – the Monaco Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Limited Edition.

Initial thoughts

TAG Heuer has a bewildering array of Monaco models in its line up, several of which look identical but are actually powered by different movements. It’s difficult to distinguish between them, making them individually less interesting.

Set against that, the new Monaco is a standout watch with a two-tone, red-and-silver dial. The dial is essentially a circle within a square, and its subsidiary seconds at six has been made to blend into the dial, creating a strong, concise symmetry.

Importantly, it is powered by the in-house and thoroughly competent Calibre Heuer 02 movement, rather than the ETA 2892-based Calibre 12 found in other Monaco models.

Red and white

Organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is an annual racing event that traditionally takes place before the Formula One Grand Prix.

Only vintage Grand Prix cars, typically dating from the 1930s to the 1970s, take part in the event. The common red-and-white livery common on historical race cars inspired the dial of the new Monaco, which also happens to be in the colours of the Monegasque coat of arms. And the dial also includes a discreet Grand Prix de Monaco Historique logo in between one and two o’clock.

The rest of the watch is standard Monaco, with a 39 mm steel case fitted with a sapphire crystal.

The Calibre Heuer 02 is visible through the back, which also bears the event logo. Like many contemporary chronograph movements, the Heuer 02 has a column wheel and vertical clutch, and more notably, a relatively long 80-hour power reserve.

The edition is presented in a special, retro-inspired box

Key facts and price

TAG Heuer Monaco Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Limited Edition
Ref. CBL2114.FC6486

Diameter: 39 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Heuer 02
Functions: Time, date, and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Calfskin with folding clasp

Limited edition: 1,000 pieces
Availability: At retailers, boutiques, and the TAG Heuer e-store starting July 2020
Price: US$6,850; or 9,700 Singapore dollars

For more information, visit Tagheuer.com.