Between TAG Heuer and the Automobile Club of Monaco, there's a long-lasting partnership. We can't forget, for instance, the TAG Heuer Monaco Caliber 12 ACM introduced some years ago, which still is one of the most sought-after limited edition TAG Heuer Monaco, although not belonging to the Heuer collection, equipped with Calibre 11, which I prefer.
Without the Covid-19 outbreak locking us down across Europe, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique would have taken place in Monaco between the 8th and the 10th of May. This race celebrates the old days of racing along the narrow roads of Monaco, and TAG Heuer has this year been appointed official sponsor and timekeeper too of this glamorous event. More than 200 vintage racing cars usually attend the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, involving no less than fifty different car manufacturers. The cars compete in seven different categories, covering years from 1930 to 1970.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Limited Edition
To celebrate the enhanced partnership between ACM and TAG Heuer, the brand has unveiled quite a unique limited edition TAG Heuer Monaco, which follows up the collector's ready Limited edition timepieces introduced in 2019 to celebrate Monaco's 50th Anniversary. However, there's a significant difference between this new release and its 2019 siblings: this is the first-ever limited series Monaco Heuer 02. The new reference CBL2114.FC6486 features case and movement of the most advanced variant of the TAG Heuer Monaco so far while offering specific style and color options. Produced in just 1000 specimen (the retail price has not yet been announced) it debuts a white and red matching color scheme which pay tribute to the white and red liveries, popular in this days, as well as in the early eighties on a McLaren or Ferrari, for example.
The dial is a combination of crimson red, which contains blue hues and tends towards purple, to a central sunray finished silver part. Delicately placed at thirteen is the logo of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique; it is such exquisite detail. You can quickly get this is a Monaco Heuer 02 (and not a Calibre 12 or Calibre 11) by taking a look at the small seconds' register placed at six. The Heuer 02 is an excellent chronograph movement with a column wheel and eighty hours of maximum power reserve, a best-in-class of the segment visible through the transparent case back. However, designers applied the event's logo, something I don't like that much.
Great attention was paid to the box too; this Monaco comes in a specific one, whose outer red part is covered by a checkered flag, a nod to old Heuer watches' package. We all agree the box is almost as relevant as the watch itself to a watch collector. As cited above, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Limited Edition's retail price has not yet been revealed. If you're eager to get your hands on one of the 1000 pieces, I suggest you register on the official TAG Heuer website. In summary, I believe this is a great-looking variant of the new Monaco Heuer 02; I also hope TAG Heuer will somehow technically convert the Heuer 02 to create a left-handed crown Heuer Monaco anytime soon.
(Photo credit: courtesy of TAG Heuer)
Gaetano C @Horbiter®
