TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 02 “Grand Prix de Monaco Historique” Edition

It would be quite difficult to come up with a better match than what’s following. When you own a watch in your portfolio – and an iconic one on top of it – that is named “Monaco”, you have to do something linked to motorsport in the Principality of Monaco – which is also known as a temple of racing. So not only has the Automobile Club Monaco appointed TAG Heuer as official timekeeper of the Grand Prix Monaco Historique, but the brand launches a new (and very handsome) watch to commemorate this event… We told you, quite a good match. Meet the TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 02 “Grand Prix de Monaco Historique” Edition.

Timekeeper of the Historical Monaco GP

Despite the fact that the 12th edition of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, scheduled to take place from 8 to 10 May 2020 on the legendary Monaco circuit, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACM has already started planning for the next edition and has appointed TAG Heuer as timekeeper of the GP.

The biannual Grand Prix de Monaco Historique weekend is one of the highlights of the classic-car racing calendar, and its passionate community of owners, drivers and spectators relish the spectacle of historic Grand Prix racing and love the warm spirit and camaraderie around the circuit. More than 200 Grand Prix cars representing 50 different car makers enter each event. Selected for their historical value and degree of originality, they compete in seven series spanning the periods from the 1930s to the 1970s. Drivers from more than 21 countries took part in the 2018 edition.

A dedicated TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 02

As a tribute to this iconic race, TAG Heuer is presenting a dedicated limited edition timepiece… And, obviously, it had to be a Monaco watch. This “Grand Prix de Monaco Historique” Edition is based on the recently introduced upgrade executed by the brand on its classic watch, with the introduction of its in-house movement in the square case – the new TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 02, replacing the Calibre 12 version with ETA-based movement.

Apart from the new movement, the brand retained most iconic features of this 1969 watch, mostly its square-shaped case with protruding faceted crystal, a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, rectangular pushers and a perforated racing strap.

For this TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 02 Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Edition CBL2114, the brand introduces new colours, with an unprecedented yet striking colour scheme. The dial, which features a combination of a round central part and radial indexes, is treated in silver (rhodium-plated) and red, over a sunray-brushed surface. The sub-counters for the chronograph – 30-minute and 12-hour – are slightly recessed and painted red too. This red colour is also found on the central chronograph hand and the dots that mark the hours. Unique for this edition, the small Grand Prix de Monaco Historique logo at 1 o’clock.

To power this edition, TAG Heuer trusts its in-house Calibre 02 movement, introduced first in the Autavia. This modern automatic chronograph has an integrated architecture (not modular as the Calibre 12) and is equipped with a combination of a column wheel and a vertical clutch for the control of the chronograph operations. It also boasts a comfortable 80-hour power reserve. It is partially visible through the sapphire caseback, which is printed with the logo of the Monaco GP.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 02 Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is packaged in a red watch box that is decorated with a chequered racing flag – a nod to the historic Heuer watch box – and worn on a black calfskin strap with folding clasp.

Price and availability

The TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 02 Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Edition (ref. CBL2114.FC6486) will be a limited edition of 1,000 pieces. It is available for pre-order via this page at www.tagheuer.com and in select TAG Heuer boutiques before its launch on July 27^th, 2020. It will be priced at CHF 6,700 or USD 6,850.

More details at www.tagheuer.com.