I see all types of classic watches, in my New York City watch repair shop. There are watches for divers and water enthusiasts. There are very formal watches, great for a New York City Soiree. There are watches for those with a pilot’s license. There are watches for those who race cars (or at least pretend to). One element most of these watches share in common is that they are generally “round” in shape.
Enter the TAG Heuer Monaco. A “square” watch that isn’t “square” in the High School sense.
Introduced in 1969, the Monaco has always been unique, quite literally because of its “square” shape. While all the other watch makers were focused on round watches, TAG Heuer introduced a square chronograph that looked like it the future had arrived, and the future was “square.” The shape was bold. The squareness was, well, “different.” And when Steve McQueen strapped one on during the filming of Le Mans, this “square” watch became “cool.” In fact, it became one of the most recognizable racing watches ever made.
Now TAG Heuer has unveiled the next generation of the Monaco Chronograph. As someone who has spent decades repairing and servicing TAG Heuer watches here in New York City, I am excited to see this new watch in my shop (plus, of course, the older TAG Heuer watches’ that are in need of the best TAG Heuer repair in New York, NY).
What’s different? The first thing you’ll notice is the case.
The new Monaco retains its iconic square shape, but is in a refined 39mm Grade 5 titanium case. Titanium changes everything. It changes how the watch feels on your wrist. The watch feels lighter, more comfortable, and more balanced than years past. “Square” may be the new “cool.”
TAG Heuer kept the innovations coming. The case geometry features refined tapered lugs and elongated pushers. These help the watch sit on the wrist in a natural way. The Monaco feels athletic and modern yet remains unique.
THE DIAL
Next let’s discuss the dial.
The Monaco has always focused on geometry. The famous “circle inside a square” layout remains intact. The details, however, are refreshed. The indexes have been redesigned for better legibility. The high-contrast subdials and clean typography pull inspiration from vintage racing dashboards. It’s balances many issues. The watch manages to look like a classic Monaco and yet point towards an inspirational future.
Under the sapphire crystal, the Monaco continues to be unmistakably Monaco.
IT GETS INTERESTING
Under the sapphire caseback, however, things get kind of interesting.
The in-house Calibre TH20-11 powers the watch. This significant upgrade brings modern engineering to one of TAG Heuer’s iconic designs. This automatic chronograph movement features an impressive 80-hour power reserve and a smooth column-wheel chronograph architecture. This means precision, reliability, and excellent performance. Whether you’re wearing it every day or just on weekends, you will love the look and the precision of this watch.
I also appreciate that TAG Heuer kept one of the Monaco’s signature details: the crown on the left side of the case. It is a small detail, but it connects the design back to the original 1969 model, the iconoclast that challenged how “everybody else” was designing watches.
STRIKING COLOR COMBINATIONS
The watch is available in several striking color combinations. This include the classic Monaco blue, an elegant green version, and a sophisticated black dial paired with rose gold accents.
I love it when watch brands combine both an exciting past and a vibrant future. TAG Heuer has done this.
The Monaco remains a glorious square in a world filled with circles. It’s lighter. It’s more comfortable. It’s more advanced in a mechanical sense. Yet it still captures the bold, brave design that shocked the watch world years ago.
For those lucky enough to own a Monaco, don’t forget that every classic watch needs attention. Movements wear. Gaskets age. Lubricants dry out. Proper watch repair and service keep these incredible machines working the way their makers intended..
In summary, the Monaco has never been a watch for people who want to blend in. It’s a watch for iconoclasts. Are you one?