Grade One Replica Watch

Celebrating the 80th?Monaco Grand Prix: TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Skeleton?

08 June 2023

In honour of this year's 80thedition of the Monaco Grand Prix, TAG Heuer released theMonaco Skeletonchronograph.Notably, this marks the first time that a skeletonized dial has featured in theMonacocollection. The original model quickly became one of the brand's most iconic watches after its release in 1969. Now, with theOriginal Blue,Racing Red,andTurquoise,the novelty is appearing in the form of three models. All of them feature a different colour scheme and each was inspired by the brand's close connection to sports car races.The caseSince its introduction by Jack Heuer in 1969, theMonaco'siconic square case has graced the wrists of many famous racing drivers, such as Joe Siffert's or Steve McQueen's in the motor racing movieLe Mansfrom 1971. The newTAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Skeletonalso features this memorable case design. Its case spans 39 mm in diameter and has a thickness of 14.7 mm.Combination matters: titanium and sapphireSandblasted titanium grade 2, which has become a trademark of the brand, makes this timepiece's case and crown corrosion resistant and lightweight. Whereas both theOriginal BlueandRacing Redshare this appearance, theTurquoise'scase and crown have a different aesthetic, consisting ofblack DLC titanium.Moreover, bevelled and domed sapphire crystal protects the skeletonised dial, while the engraved oscillating mass is displayed through the caseback. Meanwhile, engravings of the brand's name, the water resistance of 100 metres, Monaco' and Swiss made since 1860' encircle the screwed caseback.The dialAll three models play host to the same skeletonized dial and functions. However, the colours vary as there is a different source of inspiration for every model. While theOriginal Bluetakes inspiration from the blue and white colour scheme of the originalMonaco, theTurquoisepresents itself as a modern reinterpretation of its design origins with turquoise elements that allude to Monaco's coastline. TheRacing Redtaps into TAG Heuer's history from a slightly different point of view. Its red accents are a homage to the racing tracks and the red sparks that are created from the sheer speed.Prominent linesThe sandblasted dial of theMonaco Chronograph Skeletonis characterised by its prominent linear design in blue for theOriginal Blueand black for theRacing RedandTurquoise. A square in blue(Original Blue)or black(Racing Red, Turquoise)frames the minute ring of the same colour. Matching metal lines on the upper and bottom half seem to radiate towards the frame. A rhodium label with Monaco and the TAG Heuer logo hovers above the centre of the dial.24/7 legibilityTheTAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Skeletonprovides its wearer with the hours, minutes, seconds date, and a chronograph with three counters. Super-LumiNova is used to highlight the carved indexes, facetted hands and, for the first time on aMonaco, the date window in low-light conditions. While theOriginal Blue'shour and minute hands are rhodium plated, theRacing RedandTurquoise'sare gold-plated and black. Similarly, the first two models have white-lacquered indexes, and the latter has ones in turquoise. Blue Super-LumiNova coats the hands and indexes of all the models with one nuanced exception: the hands on theTurquoiseare covered with a light-blue luminescent. All three models have a red lacquered central hand and a date window at 6 o'clock that glows blue in the dark.Timing is keyWhat makes theMonacostand out is its chronograph function. Each one of the new models has three counters. There are two opaline counters in blue(Original Blue),black(Racing Red), or black and turquoise(Turquoise).While the one at 9 o'clock indicates up to 12 hours, the one at 3 o'clock counts up to 30 minutes with a red lacquered hand. By 6 o'clock, a permanent indicator presents 1/4 seconds with a rhodium plated(Original Blue)or black lacquered(Racing Red, Turquoise)hand.The movementOver the past few decades since its debut, theMonacotimepieces have been driven by a variety of calibres from the calibre 11 in 1969 to calibre 360 in 2003. TheHeuer 02 automatic movement powers the Monaco Chronograph Skeleton models. A conventional column wheel activates the chronograph. Serving as colourful details, the column wheel and the oscillating mass engravings are coloured in blue(Original Blue), red(Racing Red),and turquoise(Turquoise).This chronograph has a solid power reserve of 80 hours, accompanied by a frequency of 4 Hz.Strap, price, and availabilityAll models come with a bi-material strap which is made of a combination of rubber and calf skin leather. While theOriginal Bluecomes with a blue strap, theRacing RedandTurquoisemodels boast a black strap. Double safety pushbuttons on the sandblasted titanium grade 2 folding clasp offer additional stability. The price slightly varies from model to model. TheOriginal BlueandRacing Redare available for 10,850 euros. TheTurquoisecosts 11,400 euros...................