TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition – Final Step of the 50th-Anniversary Editions

After the four commemorative watches launched so far for the 50th anniversary of the TAG Heuer Monaco, each one celebrating one of these five decades, it is time for the brand to give an end to this story of ultra-limited edition watches. After a funky 1970s green version, a bold, fiery red racing-inspired model for the 1980s, a sleek industrial-like edition for the 1990s and a panda-like version for the 2000s, it is time to look at the minimalistic design of the 2010s. Let’s take a look at the new TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition.

50TH ANNIVERSARY – 5 DECADES – 5 TAG HEUER MONACOs

The Heuer Monaco was presented in 1969. Back then, it was one impressively modern watch, for two reasons. First, the square shape of its case was bold, unprecedented and was matched with an equally bold, brushed blue dial. Second, inside the case was Calibre 11, a movement known as the Chrono-Matic, which was the result of a joint-venture uniting Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton-Buren and chronograph specialist Dubois-Depraz to develop one of the earliest self-winding chronograph movements. Cutting-edge back then, the Heuer Monaco and subsequent TAG Heuer Monaco watches would become some of the most recognizable pieces. Success wasn’t immediate, however – as we were reminded by TAG’s CEO in this video and Patrick Dempsey here. It wasn’t until the watch was reintroduced in the 1990s that it became an icon.

Rather than re-editing glorious vintage models, TAG went for something different but no less interesting for #Monaco50

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Heuer Monaco, which will be celebrated with the introduction of five different limited-edition watches, all representing a specific decade. The first of these models, inspired by the years 1969 to 1979, was unveiled at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix in May – where we were present, as you can see in our video reports here and here. This Monaco, with a cool striped green dial, evoked the funky 1970s. You can read our hands-on article with the TAG Heuer Monaco 1969-1979 Limited Edition here.

The second limited edition, celebrating the period from 1979 to 1989, was presented in June, in Le Mans, France. This model pays tribute to the racing history of TAG Heuer and the Monaco, with a fiery red livery – an ode to what probably was the greatest era of Formula 1, with turbocharged machines, Senna, Prost and many more incredible drivers. You can read our hands-on article with the TAG Heuer Monaco 1979-1989 Limited Edition here.

The third limited edition, celebrating the decade 1989 to 1999, was equally surprising and unprecedented. This version featured a sleek, grey textured dial – reminiscent of concrete – and multiple blue accents on the dial and strap, all inspired by the themes, styles and trends of the 1990s, with a steely industrial appearance reflecting the straightforward street style characteristic of this beloved decade. You can read our hands-on with the TAG Heuer Monaco 1989-1999 Limited Edition here.

The fourth limited edition, a tribute to the decade 1999-2009, was a more classic, racing-oriented version in a black-and-white theme. It features, once again, an unprecedented dial, in black, white sub-counters and a white, circular minute track contrasting over the dark background. Multiple red accents remind us of the racing vocation of this model. In short, a cool reversed-panda kind of Monaco watch. You can read our hands-on with the TAG Heuer Monaco 1999-2009 Limited Edition here.

Today, TAG Heuer writes the last chapter in this 50-year commemorative collection, with the last of the five decades, a watch paying tribute to the 2010s and the minimalistic approach of modern design.

The TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition

Just like the four other watches in this commemorative collection, the new 2010s-inspired Monaco does not introduce any major evolutions to this signature model. All in all, every edition brings its own taste and design by modifying the dial, the colours, the overall style, to be in line with the decade it pays tribute to… However, this Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition brings something extra compared to all the others.

In the same vein as the four other watches already introduced, this new TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition comes with an unprecedented design – not a vintage re-edition, but in its place, something to reflect modernity. While it is based on the traditional “Steve McQueen” re-edition Monaco Calibre 11 reference CAW211P, sharing with it all its specifications and technical elements, it is differentiated by its new dial and something unique to its case – but more on that later.

The TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition features the classic 39mm x 39mm square-shaped case in stainless steel, a bevelled sapphire crystal on top, the signature crown positioned at 9 o’clock and the two angled pushers for the chronograph on the right side of the case – two classic elements of the Monaco that greatly contribute to its appeal. Also, it is worn on a classic, racing-inspired perforated leather strap.

Inside the case is the modern TAG Heuer Calibre 11, a movement based on an automatic Sellita SW-300 with an inverted Dubois-Depraz chronograph module, beating at 4Hz and boasting a 40-hour power reserve. It is protected by a plain steel caseback with “2009-2019 Special Edition” and “One of 169” engravings.

What’s new then on this Monaco 2009-2019? The first obvious novelty is to be seen on the dial, with a minimalistic, almost monochromatic dial. Presented with a sunray brushed pattern, it shows a nice, restrained charcoal colour with discreetly contrasting rhodium-plated sunray brushed counters. All the markings are black and the indexes and hands are black-gold-plated and polished. Only some red accents on the chronograph hands remind us of the motorsport origins of this very sleek, grey-themed version.

The second main update on this TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition is to be seen on the case and is unique to this last model in the series. While all the other watches were equipped with classically brushed and polished steel cases, this version enhanced its minimalistic design by using a sandblasted finish on all the parts, with the exception of the crown and pushers (both polished). Even the folding buckle comes in this same matte finish. This result in a straightforward, sleek watch.

This TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition is worn on a racing-inspired black perforated calfskin strap with grey stitchings, echoing the dial of this discreet and clean edition.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition reference CAW211Z.FC6470 will be produced in 169 pieces only. This 2010s-inspired model is packaged in a dark blue box decorated with the Heuer logo and a horizontal check-pattern stripe. The watch is presented on a grey cushion in a black interior. It will be priced at CHF 6,400 – EUR 5,950 – USD 6,550 – GBP 5,350 and is available now on the brand’s website.