Tag Heuer: Monaco 1979-1989 Limited Edition “50th Anniversary”

After the unveiling of the first model 1969-1979 at the Monaco Grand Prix, in honour of the Monaco’s 50th anniversary, TAG Heuer was proud to reveal the second limited-edition celebrating the period from 1979 to 1989.

We are at Le Mans in France, on the historic Sarthe circuit that hosts the 87 edition of the most difficult and famous endurance race in the world. Here, in 1971, the actor and “King of Cool” Steve McQueen sported the iconic timepiece during the filming of the film Le Mans. Today, as a tribute to the Monaco’s cinematic debut, guests “including Steve McQueen’s son, Chad McQueen” enjoyed a special screening of the famous film in the place where it all began.

Hot on the heels of the first of the five timepieces, the second model reveals a fiery design with a bold red sunray dial, two rhodium-plated subdials with curved edges and a black calfskin strap punctured with holes lined in red. Black and white accents on the dial perfectly complement the black-tipped hour and minute hands. The hands and indexes are coated with Super-LumiNova for improved legibility. As with the original, the pushers are on the right of the case while the crown is on the left – an unconventional feature that has distinguished the Monaco over the past 50 years.

The caseback of this 1980s-inspired wristwatch is engraved with the “Monaco Heuer” logo as well as “1979-1989 Special Edition” and “One of 169”. Sporting a design inspired by the original model, the stainless-steel caseback has vertical and circular brushed patterns. The case houses the renowned Calibre 11, a modern version of the automatic-winding chronograph movement that made its debut inside the original Monaco in 1969. This watch has been produced in an edition limited to 169 pieces. (Price €.5.950)