Tag Heuer Monaco Automatic Chronograph Watch

The TAG-Heuer Monaco Automatic Chronograph watch is a historically distinguished timepiece. Created by TAG-Heuer--then known as Heuer--in 1969 to honor the famous Monaco Grand Prix, and personally selected by actor Steve McQueen as his watch of choice in the 1970 racing film, “ Le Mans”, the TAG-Heuer Monaco Automatic Chronograph represents the values of sport and precision that have long defined the watchmaking priorities of TAG-Heuer.

To this day, the Monaco Automatic Chronograph watch continues to be the ideal representative of the spiritual connection between precision watches and the adrenaline and bravery of auto racing. The bold and audacious square case of the TAG-Heuer Monaco Automatic Chronograph watch immediately distinguishes it from other well-known mechanical sports chronographs. Complex alternating metal finishes contribute to the overall appeal of the striking stainless steel case, which is further distinguished by angled chronograph pushers with beveled edges.

Two distinct versions are available: The first is the popular “Steve McQueen” model, whose striking blue dial duplicates the original Monaco watch, worn by the actor in the film “Le Mans”; a red central chronograph hand and red chronographic subdial hands emphasize the sporting nature of this celebrated watch, while highly polished baton hands and hour markers give a contemporary elegance. The second Monaco Automatic Chronograph watch utilizes a more traditional black dial with an exploded minute track; like its stablemate, this rendition features the same classic baton hands and hour markers.

The TAG-Heuer Monaco Automatic Chronograph watches derive their power from the precise Calibre 7 automatic-winding chronograph movement. With a power-reserve of more than 42 hours, this mechanism allows for the precision timing of events up to twelve hours in duration. The “Steve McQueen” Monaco can time events of up to 30 minutes, as it omits the 12-hour totalizer in order to provide a faithful recreation of the bi-compax dial configuration used on the original Monaco.

Both of the current Monaco chronograph watches feature a date display, which is easily adjusted via the winding crown; a historically appropriate raised crystal made from an acrylic material is also common to both Monaco chronograph watches. Straps of several colors are available, in both calfskin and crocodile leather, including one in bold blue for the Steve McQueen model. An equally attractive option is the 6-link stainless steel bracelet, with its alternating rows of polished and brushed elements. As both a descendant of a classic chronograph and a representative of precision timing, the TAG-Heuer Monaco Automatic Chronograph watch will continue to enrich the legend that began in 1969.