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CityOut Monaco Christmas Collection 2
2011-02-11 18:16
What: Tag Heuer Monaco
Where: Zegg and Cerlati, Place du Casino, Monte Carlo
Tag Heuer make some of the finest luxury watches in the world, combining the flair of the artisan with the ultra-precision of modern engineering. The company is best known as the 2010 official timekeeper for McLaren Mercedes but their association with motor racing has a long and fascinating history, largely centred on one illustrious timepiece - the Monaco. The flagship chronograph - with its distinctive square face and the world's first automatic movement - was created in 1969 in honour of the Monaco Grand Prix, and became the fashion accessory par excellence after it took a starring role in the 1971 film Le Mans, appearing on the wrist of Steve McQueen.
But like time itself, watchmakers never stop. In their search to perfect the Monaco, a major development came in 2002 when Tag Heuer developed an extraordinary new technology, replacing the gearing systems found in every other watch in the world with a belt-driven system such as that found in an engine, with linear weights that act like pistons.
The V4 thus provided the missing link between the world of chronometry and that of fine motoring, which Tag Heuer have made their speciality (other recent affiliations have included partnerships with Porsche and the Tesla electric sports car).
A number of beautiful limited editions of the belt-driven V4 have been produced, including the platinum version at 100,000 swiss francs (€75,000) and a new gold and ruthenium ediition limited to 60 pieces, which will be entered in the Design category of the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix Award on 18 November 2010.
If these are outside your price bracket, you may want to look at the classic Monaco Blue (above) one of the most famous watches in the world, original editions of which can still be found for €5000 or so at auction. For current details of all their watches, the best place to start is the Tag Heuer website, which carries the latest information about the V4, as well as a complete directory of watches including the Formula 1, Carrera and Silverstone models.
And if you need any further convincing that this is the ideal Christmas present, settle back and watch this amazing video of a resurrected Steve McQueen and McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton, made to promote the Tag Heuer Monaco series: