What I can say to sum up the Monaco case is that it is very refined in style and conception. TAG Heuer has had a lot of time to perfect it, and it is truly an iconic watch design. It is also interesting to note that the Monaco was arguably the first ever square-shaped watch that was water resistant. Today the Monaco case is water resistant to 100 meters. The case of course is steel, and the black coating is “titanium carbide” applied using PVD.
One of my favorite features of the dial is that the chronograph subdials match the shape of the case, I just love that. You’ll notice that the dial is extremely legible because the important scale is round as you would expect. The applied hour markers and hands are easy to spot, and the amount of lume is acceptable. This version has a totally monochromatic dial save for the little orange tip at the end of the chronograph seconds hand. I find that this simple dial makes the Monaco a lot more handsome compared to some of the more colorful versions. For me this is a very timeless design as seen in this skin.
Inside the watch is the TAG Heuer Calibre 12 automatic chronograph movement that measures up to 30 minutes and has a date integrated into the 6 o’clock hour indicator. I don’t even mind that the date window is white against the black dial. The movement is a base ETA with some modifications. It is one of many movements TAG Heuer has used inside of Monaco watches. The original was the Calibre 11, which debuted as one of the world’s first automatic chronographs.
A special edition piece such as this version of the Monaco ACM is a very cool watch and in black, offers a new way of appreciating the collection. A polished steel Monaco is just as good, but there is something very slick about the classic case in polished and brushed black. While this is a limited edition model, it isn’t clear how many pieces TAG Heuer will produce. I consider it more of a “special edition” piece, meaning that they will produce a certain amount until they decide it is time to move on to another limited edition. Chances are that this ref. CAW211M.FC6324 Monaco will be primarily produced in 2013, and not long after. Retail price is $8,200. tagheuer.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: TAG Heuer
>Model: Monaco Calibre 12 ACM Edition
>Price: $8,200
>Size: 39mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Guying looking for a slightly unique version of a modern classic timepiece.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Cost seems to price it outside the comfort zone of so many who would love to wear it. For some, Monaco watches have a confusing number of movement varieties.
>Best characteristic of watch: Black-coated case suits the Monaco very well. Cleverly designed case still looks fresh over 40 years later and the dial is a pleasure to read despite the non-round shape.
