“Defiantly cool”, the latest limited-edition piece in TAG Heuer’s Monaco collection’s model-specific Racing Blue colour scheme, reminiscent of the hue French drivers wore to stand out from their rivals, evokes the early days of motor racing. Only 1 000 examples are available, each priced at R190 800.
The Monaco Racing Blue’s 39 mm square case, coupled with a blue calfskin leather strap, is crafted from (sand-blasted) titanium, with a sapphire case back showcasing the La Chaux-de-Fonds-based brand’s Calibre 11 automatic movement. The self-winding chronograph unit boasts a balance frequency of 28 000 vph (4 Hz) for a power reserve of 40 hours. The water resistance is rated at 100 metres.
Time is displayed on a silver sunray brushed dial, replete with two blue counters. The latter hue has also been applied to the dots sited at the hour indexes. A vivid touch, the seconds hand and 12 o’clock index are finished in lime yellow. A date window can be found at the 6 o’clock marker.