TAG Heuer Refashions Monaco Timepiece with Material from Steve McQueen's Renowned Racing Outfit
TAG Heuer Revives Legendary 'Steve McQueen' Monaco Watch with Gulf Livery
In a nostalgic nod to the iconic watch worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans, TAG Heuer presents the limited-edition Monaco Chronograph x Gulf. The new model revisits the essence of the original Monaco, accentuating its racing heritage with vintage details and authentic materials.
A Closer Connection to McQueen's Racing Suit
Beyond mere aesthetic inspiration, the Swiss watchmaker has traced the original textile supplier of McQueen's on-screen racing suit, securing Nomex fabric from Hinchman, an Indiana-based manufacturer of racing uniforms. The white Nomex strap on the latest Monaco x Gulf is enlivened with the same vibrant orange hue found on the dial and emblazoned with the same color on the underside.
To accommodate everyday use, a secondary perforated navy blue calfskin leather strap is included, offering a versatile alternative to the white Nomex option.
Authentic Gulf Livery Design
The famous Gulf Oil livery graces the dial, featuring the Gulf emblem beneath the center and blue-white-orange stripes adorning the right side of the grained white dial, which TAG Heuer refers to as silver. Integrated into the dial design, these stripes are meticulously crafted alongside applied indices and the distinctive orange lacquered chronograph hand. The black hour markers and registers, the blue-white-orange date border, and the black opaline registers serve as subtle accents against the predominant colors.
Sleek, Classic Aesthetics
The unique visual harmony of the Monaco remains intact, despite the offset Gulf stripes, as all the dial work is housed in a 39mm sandblasted grade 2 titanium case. The watch stands at a decent 14.35mm thickness, exuding a harmonious blend of vintage charm and contemporary craftsmanship.
The Calibre 11 Movement - A Tribute to the Past
To maintain the watch's history, the watchmakers have opted for the original Calibre 11 movement, which powered the 1969 Monaco. The modular chronograph is built on a Sellita base, incorporating Dubois-Depraz components, functioning with a steady 4Hz and offering a generous 42-hour power reserve. The caliber exhibits its aesthetic charms through the sapphire caseback, where the finely-detailed Geneva stripes and perlage can be admired. The left-side crown placement remains a distinctive design hallmark in watchmaking.
Key Specifications
Model: TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x GulfCase Diameter: 39mmCase Material: Sandblasted grade 2 titaniumCase Thickness: 14.35mmMovement: Calibre 11 automatic chronograph (Sellita SW300 base, Dubois-Depraz module)Power Reserve: 42 hoursWater Resistance: 100mCrystal: Domed sapphireStraps: White Nomex textile and navy blue perforated calfskin leatherLimited Edition: 971
Availability and Pricing
The Monaco x Gulf is priced at approximately $9,550 and is now available directly from TAG Heuer's website. With its rich history and contemporary craftsmanship, the limited-edition Monaco Chronograph x Gulf captures the spirit of racing icon Steve McQueen and the enduring allure of the Gulf livery.
- Technology and entertainment collide as the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf watch pays tribute to the style of celebrities, such as Steve McQueen, by incorporating iconic designs from the world of sports, specifically the Gulf Oil livery from the racing industry.
- This limited-edition timepiece, reminiscent of McQueen's racing suit, features a watch strap made from Nomex fabric from Hinchman, a manufacturer known for supplying materials to celebrities in the entertainment industry.
- In addition to its connections to McQueen's racing heritage, this watch showcases the latest advancements in technology, integrating the original Calibre 11 movement, complete with a 42-hour power reserve, an essential component in both sports and entertainment.
