Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The TAG Heuer Monaco Purple Dial Limited Edition
The latest Monaco variant adds some pizazz with a gradient purple dial.
TAG Heuer’s Monaco series needs no introduction. Among the brand’s most iconic collections, it was born in 1969 and given a legendary marketing boost in 1971 when Steve McQueen wore one in the movie, Le Mans. A younger generation probably recognises it from the series Breaking Bad, where Walter White received a Monaco Calibre 12 (ref. CAW2111. FC6183) that was similar to McQueen’s original. The latest variant carries an in-house automatic chronograph and eye-catching gradient dial with a new, vibrant colour marking a first for the series. Meet the TAG Heuer Monaco Purple Dial.
The new model is generally the same as recent releases, such as the Monaco Green Dial Calibre Heuer 02 Limited Edition, which introduced a gradient green dial and is among the newest generations to use the Calibre Heuer 02 (first seen in 2019 with the Monaco Heuer 02). Therefore, the square stainless steel case has the same dimensions of 39mm x 39mm (approx. 15mm height) with brushed and polished surfaces. A stylish chamfered sapphire crystal protects the dial and there’s a sapphire exhibition caseback. Rectangular pushers are positioned at 2 and 4 o’clock, and water-resistance is rated at 100 metres. The watch is fitted with a black alligator strap with black stitching and a steel folding clasp, but flip it over and the lining is a distinctive purple colour.
Of course, the purple sunray dial separates this Monaco Purple Dial Limited Edition from others and provides a contemporary take on the traditional blue variant. As mentioned, it’s a gradient dial and the colour gets darker at the edges. It’s interesting to note that very early Monaco models such as ref. 1113B (1969) and ref. 1533 Calibre 15 had brass dials with metallic blue paint that sometimes patinated to a dégradé purple (with a faded gradient effect to boot). Otherwise, the new dial has the classic tri-compax layout with a 30-minute counter at 3, small seconds at 6, and a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock. The sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock are black with angled tracks, while the small seconds is integrated into the dial with a black bevelled date window underneath. Everything is framed by the classic round seconds track with applied rhodium-plated indices at the perimeter treated with white Super-LumiNova. The matching hour and minute hands have lume inserts as well, while the central chronograph and sub-dial hands have white lacquer.
Powering the watch is TAG Heuer’s own Calibre Heuer 02 automatic chronograph. It’s an integrated chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch and beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with 33 jewels and an 80-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, small seconds and date. Seen through the exhibition caseback, the movement and black open-worked rotor are decorated with Côtes de Genève, while the purple column wheel is clearly visible at the top. Engravings at the bottom of the rotor are finished in purple as well.
Availability & Price
The TAG Heuer Monaco Purple Dial Limited Edition (reference CBL2118.FC6518) will be produced in 500 pieces and retails for EUR 6,800, CHF 7,000 or USD 7,150. It’s available from July 2022.
For more information and online orders, please visit www.tagheuer.com.
