All eyes on Monaco for TAG Heuer in Geneva
It is the Monaco line which has captured the attention of TAG Heuer at this year’s Watches & Wonders.
First in focus is the Monaco Evergraph and its one-of-a-kind chronograph mechanism built with flexible components, all fully developed in the TAG Heuer lab.
In two distinct models (pictured), it is the Calibre TH80-00 which takes centre stage. Equipped with the TH-Carbonspring oscillator, the Calibre TH80-00 ensures magnetic resistance and precision, paired with a 5 Hz frequency, a 70-hour power reserve, COSC certification, and a five-year warranty.
In putting the compliant chronograph mechanism together over four years, the brand has removed virtually all of the levers and springs traditionally associated with the start, stop and reset functions, replacing them with two flexible components: one governing start and stop, the other reset.
Both executions build on the work initiated with the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, and feature a natural titanium case with blue accents referencing the Monaco 1133B made famous by Steve McQueen.
Not to leave the industry wanting though, the Swiss brand has also been hard at work giving its square icon a new case design and delivers the Monaco Chronograph Calibre TH20-11 in three colourways.
Drawing inspiration from the original reference 1133 launched more than 50 years ago, this year’s release looks to enhance the Monaco’s signature shape with dynamic lines and improved ergonomics.
In 1969, the Monaco was the first square, water-resistant chronograph wristwatch powered by the first commercially available automatic chronograph movement, the Calibre 11.
Nearly 60 years on, the sharp, angular edges have been reinforced, and the sapphire crystal is now closer to a true square in form.
Offering an 80-hour power reserve and a five-year warranty, the new in-house Calibre TH20-11 sits centrally within the 39 mm case.
Based on the Calibre TH20-00, it now features a bi-compax layout, with subsidiary counters at three and nine o’clock and a date window at six o’clock, a configuration that references the original Calibre 11, hence its name.
Elsewhere at Watches & Wonders this week, Hublot’s Big Bang collection has also expanded. Read more on that HERE:
