The Monaco is one of the few watches that you can, without hyperbole, call iconic, with its overt 70s design and Hollywood associations. It might not have quite the same racing pedigree as its Carrera stablemate, but it’s arguably the more aesthetically enduring.
Still, even a classic can use an update now and then and the TAG Heuer Monaco Titan Special Edition does, as its name suggests, have a bit of a modern twist in the form of a new titanium case. It still has the 39mm square case shape we all know and love, but with the matte grey finish particular to the ultra-light metal.
It’s about time that we get some titanium in the Monaco collection really. Racing watches are one of the few times I think it suits the look and theme of the timepiece and the rectangular, multi-faceted case suits the matte look to a tee.
What the case lacks in shine the dial has covered, with a particularly vivid silver number with black subdials for a squared panda look. It’s all high contrast, racing fare, right down to the red chronograph seconds. It’s pretty par for the course, but it’s lovely all the same.
Inside we have the Calibre 11, or at least a modern interpretation thereof, which was the movement used in the original Monaco models of 1969. It’s a near-legendary movement that’s worth checking out both through one of the many in-depth articles on the subject online and through the sapphire caseback here.
It has a 40-hour power reserve which is a lot less than modern TAG Heuer is capable of – the Heuer 02 hits double that – but that’s not really the point here. The fact that it has a Calibre 11 at all should be enough to get Heuer collectors excited.
Limited to 500 pieces, the Monaco Titan Special Edition is a great mix of classic 70s Heuer and modern TAG watchmaking. It is though a bit pricey for my tastes at £6,550. Still, that’s pretty much in line with other Monaco models if you take into account the historical movement and titanium case – which probably says a lot more about the collection as a whole than this particular model, but that’s a whole other conversation.
Price & Specs:
Model: TAG Heuer Monaco Titan Special Edition
Reference: CAW218B.FC6496
Case/Dial: 39mm diameter, grade 2 titanium sand-blasted case, silver dial
Movement: In-house Calibre 11, automatic, 59 jewels
Water Resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 40h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, 1/4 seconds chronograph, 30 minutes counter
Strap: Black alligator leather
Price/Availability: £6,550, limited to 500 pieces
More details at TAG Heuer.
