TAG Heuer - Monaco Black Special Edition

On occasion of the F1 Grand Prix, TAG Heuer presented the new Monaco Black Special Edition in black DLC titanium CBL2180.FC6497. Price €7,750/$8,200

Just in time for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, the seventh race of the season (May 29, 2022), TAG Heuer presented a new special edition of its iconic square chronograph which bears the same name as the legendary F1 race.

Executed in Grade 2 titanium coated with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), the new Monaco Special Edition is inspired to the Monaco reference 74033N from the 1970s, a.k.a. the "Dark Lord", which featured a matte black PVD-coated steel case and a black dial with bright orange and white accents (you can read the complete history of the TAG Heuer Monaco here).

The Monaco reference 74033N, a.k.a. the "Dark Lord", with black PVD-coated steel case - 1974

 

TAG Heuer used titanium for the construction of only one previous Monaco chronograph, the Titan model offered as a Limited Edition in 2021.

This year’s special edition marks the first use of black-coated titanium for a Monaco chronograph. Used not only on the case, but also on the crown, pushers and caseback, the DLC coating has been sandblasted to produce a grained finish.

The 39 mm x 39 mm case features a slightly domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and guarantees water resistance to 100 metres / 330 feet.

The dial is made of two separate pieces, with contrasting finishes. The circle at the centre of the dial has a satin-brushed circular finish while the outer part has been sandblasted to create a grained finish. 

With their black opalin finish, the chronograph counters offer the perfect backdrop for the deep red chronograph hour and minute hands.

The deep black of the dial is complemented by the rose gold of the markers and hour and minute hands. The hands are also treated with Super-LumiNova for improved readability in poor light conditions.

Displayed through the sapphire caseback, the in-house self-winding movement Heuer 02 beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) with a remarkable power reserve of 80 hours. Topped with a rose gold-plated oscillating mass, this movement is equipped with a traditional column wheel and a vertical clutch.

Matched to a black alligator leather strap that is fitted with a black-coated titanium buckle, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Special Edition in black DLC Titanium ref. CBL2180.FC6497 has a price of Euro 7,750 / US$ 8,200. tagheuer.com