TAG Heuer Monaco Special Edition
TAG Heuer presented last week the official watch of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco 2022 which revives one of the most sought-after versions of its emblematic Monaco: the famous “Dark Lord”, an all-black model launched in the 1970s. Presentation !
Definitely, TAG Heuer has been chaining the novelties for a few weeks. After the Monaco Gulf Edition (read here)official watch of the latest edition of the Historic Monaco Grand Prixthe Swiss manufacturer has just presented a new version, the TAG Heuer Monaco Special Editionof its emblematic Monaco for the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix 2022 of which she is a partner.
This new TAG Heuer Monaco Special Edition pays tribute to an iconic version of the Monaco: the famous Heuer Monaco 74033N nicknamed “Dark Lord” due to its all-black design. Presented in 1974, it caused a sensation at the time with its all-black design whose PVD-treated case shook up the codes of watchmaking. As had done two years earlier the famous Porsche Design Chronograph 1first black watch in history and of which the German manufacture has just offered two reissues to celebrate its 50th anniversary: the Chronograph 1 All-Black Numbered Edition and the Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition (read here).
So today you have the choice on the market between two “full black” watches which are two reissues of these historical models, and which are distinguished by the shape of their case: round for the German, square for the Swiss.
This modernized reissue designed by TAG Heuer will appeal to all lovers of watchmaking for which the ” Lord of Darkness “Remains a model highly sought after by collectors, it must be said that prices soar when a copy appears in an auction.
Its main originality is found in the execution of its emblematic square case. Here he abandons the steel of the original model for titanium, a lighter and more resistant material widely used in competition and essential today for any watch evoking motor racing. It was last year that the monaco experienced its first version in titanium with its Titanium Special Edition (read here)the watch of Monaco F1 Grand Prix 2021 which brings luck to the driver Max Verstappen since he won his first world championship. The case receives a black DLC (“Diamond Like Carbon”) treatment, in harmony with the flexible alligator leather strap and the dial. The sapphire crystal on the back allows you to admire the plated or pink 18 K 5N oscillating weight and the quality of the finishing of the movement, including the blackened column wheel and the chronograph “gearbox”.
This is the automatic Heuer 02 caliber which now equips all Monaco; the technical characteristics being identical to the Monaco Gulf Edition. The 39×39 mm case is water resistant to 100 meters.
The black dial is enhanced by golden accents on the rose gold-plated hands and indexes, touches of red distinguishing the chronograph function and a white display. We appreciate the care taken in its execution with a matte black central circle and a grained edge evoking the asphalt of the circuits. Wonderful ! The hands are luminescent to ensure optimal readability, day and night.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Special Edition is presented in a beautiful special case reminiscent of the codes of the “TAG Heuer Monaco” collection and its DNA from motor racing. His price ? 7,750 euro.
Technical characteristics
Case: 39x39mm, sand-blasted grade 2 titanium with black DLC treatment, water-resistant to 100 meters, bevelled and domed sapphire crystal, screwed back fitted with a blackened sapphire crystal, crown and pushers;
Dial: black, circular grained and brushed finish, tricompax, 18K 5N rose gold-plated hour and minute hands and indexes coated with white SuperLuminova, red lacquered central chronograph seconds hand, black opaline chronograph hour and minute totalizers at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock, small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, date window at 6 o’clock;
Movement: self-winding Heuer 02 caliber, 33 jewels, frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz), 80-hour power reserve;
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date;
Strap: black alligator leather, folding clasp in black DLC titanium;
Reference: CBL2180.FC6497;
Price: 7.750€.