Description
Some of the most appreciated and sought-after Tag Heuer Monaco pieces are the ones that feature an ultra-retro dial such as this one. Fans of vintage racing watches value the models that go back to their roots and boost the vintage aesthetics that to this day remain a symbol of excellence. The squared case, the left side winding crown, the blue and red combo and the white flag printed on the center of the dial are what turn this Monaco model into a best-seller.
The 39 mm stainless steel case of the Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 has been designed to endure some of the harshest racing conditions and beyond. The brand has carefully planned to conquer both the land and sea with this sleek chronometer. Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted to find out that this watch is water resistant to 100 meters.
The dial of the timepiece is a nice blend between retro influences and modern details. The classic layout of the Monaco is represented by the blue dial, the silver applied baton hour markers, the circular minutes gradations with dotted luminescent hour indexes, silver and red hour markers and the rectangular two counters. The modernism of its design is given by the white flag that goes across the center of the stunning blue dial. This interesting aesthetic touch defines the watch’s uniqueness.
This Tag Heuer wrist watch is powered by a Swiss made in-house Calibre 11. This mechanical automatic movement has 59 rubies, a rapid date correction function and a 40 hours power reserve. From a functional point of view, this mechanism boosts a 60 seconds chronometer at 3 o’clock, a date window at 6 o’clock and a 30 minutes sub-dial at 9 o’clock.
There is nothing more remarkable and attractive than a retro inspired racing timepiece such as the Tag Heuer Monco Calibre 11 with the vintage white flag printed on the dial. This classy model is a wonderfully designed watch that echoes the prestige and fame of the iconic Monaco competition.
John Williams – :
FYI this watch is also called Monaco Calibre 11 Edition Steve McQueen. It is an upgrated model of the watch Terence Steven McQueen wore in 1971 movie “Le Mans”.
Phil – :
Does anyone know if this watch is supposed to have the winding crown on the left side of the case? It looks unusual this way and I honestly do not understand why Tag Heuer would make the watch like this. Any clarifications regarding this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Alex – :
This Monaco Calibre 11 case is actually a Steve McQueen special edition model. It is a redesigned version of the watch that he wore at the Le Mans race. The original Steve McQueen Tag Heuer had the winding crown on the left and the modern model has it on the same side to look more accurate and evoke the vintage look.
Phil – :
Ok, I get that but isn’t it less practical like this? I mean, if you wear the watch on your left hand and you want to set the time it is very annoying as you would have to take it off, set the time and put it back on. Am I right?
Alex – :
Yes, you are right. This is a big disadvantage of the left side winding crown. The only advantage I can think of is the fact that when you are wearing the watch and you bend your wrist sharply it won’t dig into the back of your hand.
Mathew Stegman – :
Another thing that is really bothersome about the left side winding crown is the winding itself. It is in opposite direction. You need to turn the crown in reverse to set the time.
Alex – :
Yes, that is also right. But I guess that for Steve McQueen’s fans and racing enthusiasts that inconvenience is compensated by the vintage look and feel of the watch. The more accurately it represents the original Steve McQueen Monaco the more appealing it is.
Alex
Jeremy P jr – :
I see that in the description you say that the watch has a transparent caseback, but you don’t post any images of it. Is it a round or rectangular see-through glass?
Alex – :
Indeed, this watch has a transparent caseback. Tag Heuer chose to add a round sapphire crystal that allows its wearer to admire the stunning Sellita SW 300 base. The rest of the caseback is made from solid stainless steel and it is held in place by four thick and sturdy screws.
Jeremy P jr – :
I have searched a few images online and I see that the round transparent caseback window is pretty small. I think that a larger one would have looked a lot better, isn’t it?
Valentine – :
Yes, I perfectly agree. I think Tag Heuer preferred this size as it has a more vintage, classic appeal.
Robin S. – :
What type of ETA movement is inside of the Tag Heuer Steve McQueen Monaco?
Alex – :
This model doesn’t have an ETA movement as most other Monaco chronographs have. Tag Heuer developed with Dubois Dépraz a special Sellita SW 300 base that has a chronograph module and a Glucydur balance. The reason why it had to create this unique movement is to be able to offer the winding crown on the left side of the case while keeping the pushers on the right.
Robin S. – :
And is this a good movement?
Alex – :
Tag Heuer Calibre 11 is an exceptionally precise and durable movement that is highly appreciated by experts.