Discover the new Queen of Monaco
youmotor racing ends when he knocks down the checkered flag. For the Monaco watch, the race has never stopped since 1969. TAG Heuer proves it once again with the launch of an unprecedented variation. This version recalls the sporting origins of the model, popularized, need we remind you, by actor Steve McQueen who wore it on his wrist in the film Le Mans, released in cinemas in 1971. It bears a name dear to the hearts of enthusiasts, the oil tanker Gulf, whose duo of colors, blue, sky and orange, has adorned the most beautiful racing cars for more than 50 years. Admittedly, TAG Heuer had already designed pieces of this type, but this new variant pushes the cursor upwards in a particular category, sport-chic.
Dynamic with elegance
On this 2022 vintage piece, the famous colored bands are discreet and occupy only the right half of the dark blue dial. Yin and yang, Doctor TAG and Mr. Heuer, character and discretion. Time (and the reaction of collectors) will tell if this is the most desirable of the Monaco Gulf versions. No doubt it is for this reason that the brand has chosen to specially dedicate its latest creation to the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, of which it is official sponsor. “For each edition, more than 200 cars representing 50 different car manufacturers and 21 countries compete. Selected for their historical value and their degree of originality, they compete in seven series covering the periods from the 1930s to the 1970s,” the organization explains. The mythical Monegasque circuit is definitely very popular these days: the E-Prix, set up in the running for electric single-seaters, was contested on April 30; the Monaco Historic Grand Prix took place on May 14 and 15; on May 29, it will be the turn of the F1 Grand Prix.
The discreet charm of the Gulf palette
On the technical side, the new Monaco Gulf is the first in the series to have the automatic manufacture Heuer 02 caliber. Note the presence of a special engraving whose color corresponds to Pantone orange from Gulf. Finally, to enhance the sporty yet sophisticated face of the watch, the strap is made of reinforced blue calf leather, combined with an orange lining. Another innovative element, aesthetic this time, while the distinctive Gulf signs are subtly highlighted, its emblematic colors also appear for the first time on the flange of the additional minute counter at 3 o’clock. By contrast, the Gulf logo on the dial is distinguished by its uniform white hue. A Monaco Gulf, descending from a princely lineage, decidedly very different from its predecessors.
