Tag Heuer Monaco: Top 6 Funky Chronographs
by James Njau
One of the most popular models from Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer is the Tag Heuer Monaco. Launched in 1969, Monaco is a collection of automatic chronograph watches well-known for their revolutionary and funky square cases and colourful dials.
The watch became a household name when it was featured in the 1971 film Le Mans, worn by its actor, rebel racer Steve McQueen. This led to a partnership that lasted decades. The collaborations included the launch of the ‘McQueen Monaco’, followed by the 1533 model and the 73633 model in 1972.
Tag Heuer has been creating cutting-edge watches since 1860. Most watch lovers usually go for this watch despite its price for obvious reasons. But don’t just take our word for it — find out for yourselves. Below are some of our favourite Tag Heuer Monaco models.
Tag Heuer Monaco Quartz Black Dial
The 37mm Tag Heuer Monaco WAW131A.FC6177 has a monochromatic look with its black dial and a matching black alligator leather strap. The black lacquered dial features one sub-dial counter at 6 o’clock, as well as red polished hands and facetted applied indexes. The date window stands out against the all-black dial at 3 o’clock, so does the Tag Heuer logo at 12 o’clock.
The most accurate Tag Heuer quartz movement powers this simple-looking watch. But don’t let its simplicity distract you from its functionality. The watch is also water-resistant up to 100 metres, ideal for the water sports lover.
Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 12
The Tag Heuer Monaco CAW2111.FC6183 watch stands out in a playful blue face. The 39mm fine-brushed and polished steel case features a blue dial with Rhodium-plated indexes and luminescent markers for maximum visibility.
The 1/2 second and minutes chronograph counters are visible within the two sub-dials, while a date window appears at 6 o’clock. Powered by the Swiss-made automatic Calibre 12 movement, this chronograph boasts a 40-hour power reserve and 100m water resistance. An elegant black alligator leather strap complements its blue face.
Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 Limited Edition
This 39mm limited-edition Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 charms in its brownish-green square-shaped dial with a matching brown leather strap. As part of Tag Heuer Monaco’s 50th Anniversary series — limited to 169 pieces — the watch runs on the automatic Calibre 11 movement, offering 40 hours of power reserve.
The textured green Côtes de Genève dial with brown and amber accents features two sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock, as well as Rhodium-plated indexes and hands. An ode to the 1970s style, this automatic chronograph is water resistant up to 100 metres.
Tag Heuer Monaco Bamford
Limited to only 500 pieces, the Tag Heuer Monaco Bamford delights in its elegant full black dial and aqua blue chronograph counters. Bold and exclusive, this timepiece is a collaboration with the Bamford Watch Department.
The 39mm carbon and titanium case encloses the black dial with luminescent indexes, as well as two sub-dials with 1/4 second 30 minutes chronograph counters. It has a 40-hour power reserve and runs on the automatic Calibre 11 Swiss-made movement. A black alligator leather strap and 100m water resistance made the watch irresistible.
Tag Heuer Monaco Quartz with Diamonds
Perfect as a dress watch, the Tag Heuer Monaco Quartz is sophisticated in a brown dial and a matching brown leather strap. The fine-brushed and polished steel case has a diameter of 37mm — a perfect size for everyday wear.
The brown dial features rose gold hands and diamond indexes for additional panache. A brown sub-dial is present at 6 o’clock, as well as a date window at 3 o’clock. A quartz movement gives this watch a battery life of 24 months.
Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 11
Launched in 2017, the Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 Gulf Special Edition features a 39mm stainless steel, square-shaped case. The funky analogue dial is in blue with Gulf decoration and luminescent markers. Two sub-dials are visible at 3 and 9 o’clock positions for the 1/4 second and 30 minutes chronograph counters. Meanwhile, a date window peeks at 6 o’clock.
Powered by the automatic Swiss-made Calibre 11, this chronograph has a 40-hour power reserve and a fast date correction function. A matching blue calfskin strap finishes the funky watch.
For another interesting read on Tag Heuer watches, check out our story on the best of Tag Heuer Formula 1 collection here.
