Stéphane Bianchi, TAG Heuer’s CEO, on the 50th Anniversary of the Monaco

During the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco, last weekend, we sat down with TAG Heuer’s CEO, Stéphane Bianchi, to talk about the 50th anniversary of an icon, the TAG Heuer Monaco. I think we’d all agree that the word ‘iconic’ is often misused in the world of horology, however, in this case, I think it’s appropriate to designate the Monaco as ‘iconic’. Stéphane Bianchi tells us more about the Monaco and how TAG Heuer is celebrating the 50th anniversary of this legendary and highly recognizable timepiece.

In 1969 the Heuer Monaco saw the light of day. Underneath its unusual case was the first automatic chronograph movement (although Zenith and Seiko also have a claim to producing the first automatic chronograph). The Heuer Monaco has rubbed shoulders wrists with some of the most legendary race drivers and movie stars and can be recognized form miles away thanks to its unique square shape. Both factors have contributed to its lasting popularity and especially the fact that the King of Cool wore a Monaco in the movie Le Mans.

When I first saw it in 1998 – at the time TAG Heuer had introduced the reissue (CS2111) – it was love at first sight. This was the period that I became interested in watches and learned about the mechanics inside. The Monaco, like the Monza, was reintroduced to the market and both watches were heavily advertised in all watch magazines. These ads are imprinted in my mind and prompted me to buy the Monaco and subsequently the Monza Calibre 36. I simply couldn’t resist…

Later today we’re publishing the interview with Patrick Dempsey, who talks about his passion for TAG Heuer, about Jack Heuer, the man behind it all, and the iconic Monaco.

More info on the Monaco 1969-1979 on the TAG Heuer website.