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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 🏎️⌚️