During the three-day celebration in Monaco, Tag Heuer presented the first of the five new collection watches inspired by the original Monaco model, which will be presented successively in 2019. The 5 new creations have been inspired by different decades and trends ranging from 1969 to 2019, honoring timeless design, permanent innovation and style icons. The prestigious event was attended by many celebrities, ambassadors and friends of the brand from the world of automotive, acting, sports and modeling.

During the most popular weekend of the year when the whole world moved to Monaco, guests were granted access to some of the most prestigious and most interesting events in Monaco, from a private tour of the Monaco top cars collection including a Monaco watch retrospective, to grand prix qualifications, or a prestigious party that was hosted on the Tag Heuer yacht with witch the performance of the famous French DJ Bob Sinkler. The event culminated on Sunday with VIP access to the prestigious grand prix formula 1.

Emphasizing the pervasive and timeless design of the original Monaco clock, the symbolic geometric shapes and colors of the 1970s, combined with the timeless Côtes de Genève pattern, feature this first model on the occasion of the 50th anniversary. Presented on a brown leather perforated belt, this stainless steel watch was produced in a limited edition of 169 copies.

Back in time

Named in honour of the formula one race, the original Jack Heuer designed Monaco was introduced simultaneously in Geneva and New York City in 1969. The watch used the mechanism of the Calibre 11 (also known as the Chronomatic) and was the first automatic micro-winding chronograph. The Monaco was the first square-cased and water resistant chronograph.

The original model came with a Chronomatic lettering at top of dial and Monaco at the bottom. In later models, the Monaco lettering can be seen on top with automatic chronograph at the bottom. The lettering appears on all Calibre variants. It was removed after the Valjoux movement was introduced in later production life. Soon after the watch was in production, a version was released with an improved calibre 12 mechanism. As rare as the original, it is believed that 800 were made before it was discontinued. The Monaco 1133 became synonymous with Steve McQueen when he wore it in his 1971 film, "Le Mans".

Photo Source: Tag Heuer