HANDS-ON: TAG Heuer Monaco Green Limited Edition is a fumé fantasy
Nick KenyonThe TAG Heuer Monaco is a classic in every sense of the word. I mean, Steve McQueen famously wore it on the silver screen and if you’re looking for an endorsement from the King of Cool, it doesn’t get much better than that. The Monaco has been a collection that has regularly been refreshed in recent years with its 50th anniversary back in 2019 inspiring more than half a dozen limited edition references. In 2021, the new expressions of the Monaco continue and in a year like this, what is the only colour you’d really expect to see? Say hello to the all-new TAG Heuer Monaco Green Limited Edition.
The case
The case of any Monaco is one of the key elements that makes it such an iconic and instantly recognisable watch. The 39mm steel case is finished with brushed bezel and case sides while the lugs and bevels feature polished surfaces. The faceted crystal that sits over the dial protrudes slightly above the case, reminiscent of a thick piece of vintage crystal, just like it would have been when first launched 52 years ago.
The chronograph pushers and crown on the right-hand side of the case are ergonomically shaped and remain faithful to the original design from the late ’60s. Flipping the watch over and the caseback is secured with four screws that guarantee it to 100m of water resistance, despite not having a screw-down crown or pushers. The caseback also features a sapphire crystal window through which you can see the Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic ticking away inside.
Visible through the exhibition caseback you can see the column-wheel of the chronograph movement, which has been treated with a green colour to match the dial and the text on the black winding rotor.
The dial
This is where the real show is, with the dial offering a totally new and also “trending” colour green. But as you’d expect from TAG Heuer, this isn’t a dull or flat green tone.
Far from it, the green is an engaging sunburst colour that has a smoked effect which gradually shifts from apple green in the centre of the dial to black around its circumference.
The white hands cut a sharp contrast against the graduated backdrop, matching the white printed TAG Heuer logo at 12 o’clock. In further contrast to the green of the centre of the dial, the two square subdials are matte black, while running seconds at 6 o’clock hosts the black date aperture.
The movement
Powering the TAG Heuer Monaco Green Limited Edition is the go-to-choice for the La Chaux-de-Fonds based watchmaker – the Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic. It’s the same caliber as what you will find across much of the Carrera and Autavia collections, beating at 28,800vph and delivering a full 80 hours of power reserve.
The strap
The watch arrives on a black alligator leather strap that is secured with a solidly made folding steel clasp. The clasp is almost infinitely adjustable, making it perfect for pretty much any wrist size.
The verdict
TAG Heuer had already joined the Green Party that the entire Swiss watchmaking industry is hosting this year with their Aquaracer Professional 300 in titanium, but I’m glad to see a slightly more refined expression of the popular hue.
The Monaco is a tried and true winner and while a green dial is a cosmetic update to the angular legend, it is a stunning dial to see in the metal.
The transition from such a bright and vibrant green at the centre of the dial to black around the outside is dramatic and is a feature that will surely see this new limited edition sell out quick-smart.
TAG Heuer Monaco Green Limited Edition price and availability:
The TAG Heuer Monaco Green Limited Edition is AUD$9,650, is limited to 500 pieces and will be available from April 23rd. For more details, visit TAG Heuer right here.
Made in partnership with TAG Heuer. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.