Anyone who grew up watching Steve McQueen’s films is no doubt familiar with the Heuer Monaco. Famously square and famously automatic, it was also famously worn by McQueen in 1971’s Le Mans, cementing it forever in the pantheon of, well, dope-ass watches.
Today, TAG Heuer revealed a cool new addition to the Monaco collection: two new models housed in 39mm cases, both of which come on a steel bracelet, the first such option available in more than two decades. Available with either black or blue sunray dials, both feature the Monaco’s iconic square shape and chronograph pushers as well as red central chronograph hands. Powered by the Calibre Heuer 02 automatic chronograph movement — which is visible behind a sapphire case back — the new Monaco has an 80-hour power reserve and 100m of water resistance.
TAG HeuerThough the black dial model is also available with a matching black alligator leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp, we don’t see why you shouldn’t spring for the bracelet: drawing on an H-shaped design that accompanied certain Monaco watches in the 1970s, it tapers at the wrist and features a butterfly clasp engraved with the TAG Heuer shield logo.
TAG Heuer’s HeritageDirector, Catherine Eberlé-Devaux had this to say: “The bracelet is particularly important for any wristwatch – without a good bracelet, the timepiece lacks desirability. For the new Monaco timepieces, we have alluded to its brilliant past with a familiar design and color while reinforcing that the collection is moving forward with innovative new technology.”
The new Monaco with its matching bracelet will retail for $6,750, while the strap-equipped model will retail for $6,350.