Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer is opening a new chapter in its illustrious Formula One story. The Red Bull Racing partner has unveiled a new iteration of its classic Monaco Chronograph, however, you won’t find the traditional red and blue colour scheme anywhere. In a move that pays homage to Selwyn Edge’s famous victory at the 1902 Gordon Bennett Cup, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green adds a touch of British aristocracy to the iconic square-shaped watch.
The latest release marks the second instalment in TAG Heuer’s Monaco Racing lineup, following the success of the Racing Blue in 2023. That limited-edition piece was a nod to the early days of motor racing when French drivers wore vibrant blue hues to stand out from their competitors. For the 2024 iteration, TAG Heuer has set its sights on the British.
Again harking back to the days when competition countries had their own distinguishing colourways, the 39mm TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green echoes the classic green aesthetic favourited by drivers from Great Britain. From the subdials to the 12 light green Super-LumiNova dot markers on the dial, TAG Heuer has seamlessly incorporated the traditional racing green into the design of the iconic timepiece. However, it is the nods to ’20s and ’30s designs that are the most eye-catching.
The silver sunray-brushed dial, which we first saw on last year’s model, is again a standout addition. The rich interplay of light and shade that comes with the silver dial elevates this Monaco from another limited edition to a serious collector’s piece. What’s more, it pulls double duty, serving as a subtle reminder of the engine-turned dashboards seen in sports cars of that vintage.
Along with the green dot markers, the dial also plays host to eight applied, polished and silvered hour markers and a faceted baton marker at 12 o’clock. This subtle highlight features a vibrant yellow stripe, which TAG Heuer explained was a direct connection to the chronograph’s yellow central hand and the touches of yellow seen on British race cars of the early 20th century.
Inside, the vintage theme continues. Similar to the original 1969 Monaco release, which revolutionised the watch industry, the latest square-cased water-resistant chronograph houses the Calibre 11 movement. This automatic movement, the very same one utilised within Monacos famously worn by Hollywood superstar Steve McQueen, boasts a power reserve of 40 hours and is enclosed within a sandblasted grade-2 titanium case. Flip the watch over and you’ll find an engraving that reads “ONE OF 1000”, a reference to the new Racing Green’s limited availability.
In essence, the latest TAG Heuer Monaco is an ode to the great racing drivers of the past. A homage to British ingenuity, the timepiece continues TAG Heuer’s unparalleled legacy of F1 patronage and what’s more, points to the future of the Monaco Racing collection. Will next year see the introduction of a vibrant Italian red Monaco? Perhaps a subtle German silver? Only time will tell, but if you ask us, the Cunningham Stripes would look mighty fine on a square-cased timepiece.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green is limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide and priced at AUD$13,500. It comes fitted with a perforated strap for “classic British gentleman aesthetics” that is secured with a titanium folding clasp adorned with the Heuer logo. It is presented in custom-designed black packaging with vivid yellow highlights and can be purchased from TAG Heuer boutiques and online from September 2024.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green
- Brand: TAG Heuer
- Model: Monaco Chronograph Racing Green
- Reference: Ref. CAW218E.FC6565
- Diameter: 39mm
- Thickness: 14.35mm
- Movement: Calibre 11
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Water-Resistance: 100 metres
- Price: AUD$13,500
