The New White Dial TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf

The TAG Heuer Monaco needs little to no introduction. Launched in 1969, this distinctive square-shaped chronograph emerged during the golden age of motor racing. At that time, Heuer was renowned for its chronographs, stopwatches and dashboard instruments, integral to motorsport timing. In the same period, in a collaboration with other makers, Heuer presented one of the first automatic chronograph movements: the calibre 11. Among other models, it was fitted in a new square chronograph case whose bold, sporty identity was named after the prestigious Grand Prix. The watch was not immediately successful until 1971 when a blue dial Calibre 11 Reference 1133B Monaco was chosen by the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, for his role in the 1971 Le Mans movie, to match his Gulf-striped racing suit and Porsche 917K. 

This cinematic exposure propelled the Heuer Monaco to iconic status, intertwining it with the glamour and thrill of motorsport. Over the years, TAG Heuer has released numerous iterations of Monaco watches, including Gulf models with their signature stripes. The newest Monaco Chronograph x Gulf is released at a defining moment as the eponymous Grand Prix has decided to bear the name of a title partner for the first time, becoming the Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco.

This cool, new Monaco Gulf is based on the classic “Steve McQueen” edition with its crown positioned at 9 o’clock. Its dial is rendered in fine-grained silvery-white with the signature orange and blue Gulf stripes and logo. It uses a classic Heuer logo rather than the modern TAG Heuer one. Its angular 39mm case is crafted from sandblasted grade 2 titanium, adding to the sporty character of the watch. It also makes it particularly comfortable on the wrist thanks to its lightweight. Other specifications are well known, with a 14.35mm height, a 47.5mm length and a 100m water-resistance.

Finished with Geneva stripes and perlage, the automatic movement can be seen through the exhibition caseback. As can be guessed from the 9 o’clock positioning of the crown, it is a calibre 11, meaning a modular chronograph. It is built with a Sellita base movement with a Dubois-Depraz module. Its frequency is 4Hz and its power reserve is 42 hours.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf White Dial comes with two different straps. The white textile strap is in Nomex, a fire-resistant textile used for racing suits. It has been sourced from Hinchman, the American company that made McQueen’s suit for the Le Mans movie. An additional racing-inspired perforated blue calfskin strap with orange lining is included. The watch is released in a 971-piece limited edition, in another nod to the Le Mans movie. Price is set at CHF 9,500.

For more information, please visit www.tagheuer.com.