The New TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green Calibre 11 in Titanium
A lightweight edition of the iconic sqaure racing chronograph, with an emblematic racing colour.
Racing green… Probably one of the most emblematic colours in motorsport. We have to remember that, in the early days of car racing, colours were not just decorative, but racing drivers competed with liveries representing their country – Italian red, German silver, French blue (featured in last year’s limited edition) and, of course, British racing green. This iconic colour now adorns one of the most emblematic watches associated with motorsport, the Monaco. Following its Racing Blue peer from 2023, TAG Heuer now introduces the Monaco Chronograph Racing Green Calibre 11 in Titanium.
Born in 1969, the oddly cool Monaco has always been associated with racing and motorsport. This square chronograph gained popularity when the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, wore it in the cult movie Le Mans in 1971. Since then, the Monaco has been one of the most emblematic watches of the brand, only rivalled by the enduring Carrera collection – which, in its own more classic style, also represents the essence of motorsport. The Monaco has long been about innovation, too, as it was one of the few watches to be equipped with the important Calibre 11, one of the first automatic chronograph movements ever built.
Just like last year’s blue edition, we’re seeing a new limited edition that is powered by the Calibre 11. This means the classic crown at 9 o’clock. Most of the recent Monaco models are powered by the in-house calibre Heuer 02, with a more traditionally positioned crown at 3 o’clock – to each his own, but I do think a Monaco looks best with the crown at 9 o’clock.
This new Monaco Chronograph Racing Green retains the classic look, shapes and proportions of the historic model, with a 39mm x 39mm square case topped by a bevelled and domed sapphire crystal. It has been modernised, though, and is executed in a contemporary grade 2 titanium case with a matte, sandblasted finish, offering a cool, subdued look and enhancing comfort on the wrist. While the Monaco in steel can be heavy on the wrist, this titanium edition feels more balanced. Other specifications are well known, with a 14.35mm height, a 47.5mm length and a 100m water-resistance.
The main novelty of the Monaco Chronograph Racing Green is its dial. In the same vein as the blue edition of 2023, it combines a sunray-brushed silver base, which blends well with the case and coloured accents. The sub-dials are racing green, while bright yellow accents are found on the central seconds hand and the 12 o’clock marker. Being a Calibre 11 model, it also keeps the historical horizontal applied markers paired with small luminous dots on the minute track.
Complementing the colours of the dial is a racing green strap with the classic perforated style that suits the Monaco perfectly. The inner side of the strap has a bright yellow lining, and it’s closed by a titanium folding clasp with the historic Heuer logo.
Inside, no surprises. The Monaco Titanium Racing Green relies on the outsourced Calibre 11, essentially an automatic Sellita SW300 (clone of the 2892) with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module. And while it might not have the same aura as an in-house chronograph movement, it is the only way to have the emblematic 9 o’clock crown in a Monaco, and it’s also slightly thinner than the Heuer 02 movement.
A limited edition of 1,000 pieces, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green is now available. It is priced at CHF 9,100. For more details, please consult www.tagheuer.com.