Tag Heuer - New Monaco Chronograph
The name of Steve Mc Queen, a renowned actor, is universally associated with legendary film-making. If you are close to the world of refined watch-making, you are probably aware of the story linking Steve Mc Queen to prestigious Tag Heuer Company.
"Le Mans," filmed in 1970, has become a cult film for many generations of fans of sports cars. Steve Mc Queen greatly contributed to the international fame of Tag Heuer's "Monaco" chronograph. In 2005 TAG Heuer rendered homage to the fabled actor and commemorated the 75th anniversary of his birth, having produced exclusive Monaco Vintage watch in limited edition of 4 thousand pieces.
A Little Bit of the History
The Monaco chronograph watch was initially introduced back in 1966. It featured a mechanical movement and manual rewind. However, that edition did not prove to be the desirable success. The square case reached 40 X 40mm in diameter and seemed somehow puzzling. The first Monaco chronograph sold in small editions had one, two or three white counter zones, depending on the model.
In 1969 as the result of the close collaboration between three watch-making companies - Tag Heuer, Breitling and Hamilton - there appeared the first chronograph movement in the world provided with an automatic rewind micro-rotor - the innovative "Chronomatic caliber 11." It featured the inverted winding crown on the left-hand side of the case, while the chronograph buttons were placed on the right. Breitling used the innovation for its Navitimer watches, Hamilton - for the Fontainebleau model, and Tag Heuer equipped its notable Monaco chronograph.
But the turning point of the Monaco chronograph dated to 1971 when Le Mans was released. Joe Siffert, a renowned pilot from Switzerland, became the hero of the Le Mans 24 Hours racing. The true legend was invited to become one of the first sponsored Tag Heuer's representatives. While Le Mans was being filmed in 1970, Steve McQueen, wanted to be given the full outfit used by the pilot Joe Siffert, including the Monaco chronograph.
The Monaco chronograph was introduced once again in 1998 in a limited number of 5,000 pieces. The new version was inspired by the original 1970s Monaco models - it demonstrated the noteworthy Tag Heuer logo, as well as there were the distinctive tongued buckles featured by a black calfskin bracelet. The watch became a tremendous success that was followed by re-launching regular production of Monaco chronograph watches -real classic bestsellers.
Monaco Vintage Specifications
The watch is sure to enjoy unforeseen success as it bears the name of a highly prestigious watch brand and the legend and spirit of motor racing. The Monaco's design is eye-catching due to its three-colored dial and blue alligator bracelet. The timepiece has brightly united classicism and modernity. The folding clasp with push buttons provides great comfort. The watch's case back has an engraving with series number on 4,000 pieces.
The watch is equipped with reliable automatic TAG Heuer Caliber 17. The watch's dial has additional 12-hour, 30-minute and 60-second counters. The case of Monaco Vintage is offered in stainless steel with satin and polished finishing. There is one more appealing characteristic- elegant nickel-plated hour and minute hands.
The Monaco Vintage is really worth to become the collector's item as it distinguishes through its daring personal character.
