This is a popular series in which the elite editors of Kronos Japan pick up the latest and most talked-about models, use them to their heart's content, and give their reviews.
This time, we will be looking at TAG Heuer's "Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 Chronograph." This is a reproduction of the "Monaco" that Steve McQueen once wore in the "Le Mans" race, and our editor-in-chief, Masamasa Hirota, shares his impressions of the watch.
Text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
The short cut buckle is a perfect match for the Monaco.
The only watches I buy are basically hand-wound watches with a small second hand. I love automatic watches, but I've avoided them as a purchase option because holding one makes me think about it. Cases are basically round only. I think square and rectangular watches are nice, but I've rarely bought one.
The other day, TAG Heuer lent me their popular Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 Chronograph. With its square case, automatic movement, and modular chronograph, it's not a watch I would have chosen myself, but it turned out to be a really good watch. The internals consist of a Dubois-Dépraz module mounted on a Sellita automatic, and as we've written many times before, Sellita has improved considerably. I have no complaints about the winding, and it may even match the Dubois-Dépraz better than an ETA. Plus, because it's modular, the movement is lighter.
The ETA7750 is thick and has a heavy rotor to improve winding. I quite like the feel of it, but it gets tiring to wear for long periods of time. In contrast, the Monaco, which features a modular chronograph, is thinner and lighter than it looks, meaning it's more comfortable to wear than I expected. However, the excellent fit is only possible thanks to the well-designed Duploin buckle. Tag Heuer's Duploin is cut short, so it fits even thin wrists like mine. While many manufacturers have recently started to cut buckles shorter, Tag Heuer was probably the pioneer among mass-produced manufacturers. It was the perfect match for the Monaco.
Incidentally, there are several variations of the Monaco. Because there are so many types, I will only explain the models that Chronos readers are likely to like. The most famous is, needless to say, the original equipped with the Caliber 11. I would like one myself, but the price is now exorbitant, and the micro-rotor is difficult to maintain. It is wise to avoid buying anything other than a perfect example. Therefore, the model that is most popular among enthusiasts is the reproduction version released in 2009, known as the "McQueen," the "40th Anniversary Limited Edition Caliber 11" (Ref. CAW211A).
While it looks almost identical to the original, the movement has been changed to an ETA with a Dubois-Dépraz module. The only difference from the original model released in 1969 is the position of the second hand. Due to the change in the movement, the second hand, which was originally at 9 o'clock, has been moved to 3 o'clock. While it's an attractive model, only 1000 were made, and pre-owned examples can cost over 100 million yen. The following year, TAG Heuer made this model a regular model, but since the logo changed from HEUER to TAG HEUER, it's not as popular. Honestly, I don't think I want one.
The model featured here can be said to be a reproduction of the 2009 "McQueen." As proof, the reference number is CAW211P, almost identical to the "McQueen." In addition, the dull hands and indexes have been changed to diamond-cut (Tag Heuer used to boast diamond-cut-style indexes and hands), and the case alignment has also been improved. What's more, the watch now has a transparent back, allowing you to see the movement. While it's not an outstanding mechanical movement, the movement is well-finished, as befits its display structure. This is different from models with solid backs. In my opinion, in terms of the balance between practicality and aesthetic appeal, it may even be superior to the latest "Autavia."
The Monaco, with its Sellita movement and Dubois-Dépraz movement and list price of approximately 60 yen, is not a watch with good value for money. After all, it is more expensive than the Autavia, which has an in-house movement. However, it makes you feel good when you wear it, and it has received good reviews from those around you. Even people who have no interest in watches at all have said they like it, so it's no wonder the Monaco is selling so well.
It's been a while since I've had a watch I couldn't bear to part with, and I understand why it's so popular. If I have the opportunity, I'd like to borrow this "best seller" again.
