TAG Heuer “Monaco” Calibre 11 Automatic Chronograph Watch
I’m not normally in the habit of writing about expensive luxury watches, but the TAG Heuer Monaco is a timepiece I’ll make an exception for.
Most noted for its appearance on actor Steve McQueen’s wrist in the classic race film Le Mans, the Monaco not only has a deep-rooted connection to the golden age of motorsports, but is also a boldly designed precision instrument that’s as practical as it is stylish.
The Monaco sports a distinctive 39mm square steel case that was groundbreaking at the time of its original design — and still stands out today, IMO — with water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet) depth.
It features a blue dial with horizontal steel indexes, two silver chronograph sub-dials (for minutes and hours, respectively), a date display at 6 o’clock, and red accents on the hands and elsewhere to give it that timelessly cool racing look.
The chronograph timing functions are controlled by two pushers on the right side — the top one starts/stops the chronograph, while the bottom one resets it. Whether you’re timing laps on the racetrack or tracking personal records, you can count on this watch’s Swiss-made precision and reliability.
Perhaps its most signature feature is the placement of the crown on the case’s left side rather than the more traditional right side, which their original advertising claimed was a way of showing that manual winding was no longer necessary. Whether that’s the actual reason or not, it certainly gives the Monaco a unique flair.
To cap things off, the calfskin leather strap features a special finish inspired by racetrack asphalt, so the spirit of racing history is imbued at every level.
The TAG Heuer Monaco is more than just a watch — it’s a timeless symbol of speed, style, and daredevil spirit. I can’t think of a more bold statement to wear on your wrist. 🏎️⌚️