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TAG Heuer Unveils A Collection Of Brand New Monaco Skeletonized Dial Watches

An icon to match Muhammed Ali, the original TAG Heuer Monaco dates back to the end of the 1960’s.
Just in time for the 80th Monaco Grand Prix in the Principality which took place in May 2023, a skeletonized version of The TAG Heuer Monaco was introduced in three fetching colours.
Star of many movies including the 1971 film “Le Mans”, this is not the first instance the brand has made a skeletonized dial.
TAG Heuer were breaking horological barriers back in 2021 for Only Watch when they produced a fully-fledged timepiece made entirely from carbon.

TAG Heuer And The Monaco Grand Prix

TAG is so on it. Fresh off the back of Watches and Wonders 2023 with the exquisite, blingy Carrera Plasma Diamant d’Avant-Garde Chronograph Tourbillon utilising lab-grown diamonds, they have pushed the timekeeping boundaries yet again.

Monaco Grand Prix Circuit, Source: Planet F1

To mark 80 years of the Monaco Grand Prix in 2023, not one but three new skeletonized watches have been introduced to a salivating horological public. Gents, we give you the TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph.

But before we take the first bend, we would like to reference Luxferity’s fantastic article, “Tag Heuer Launches Three New Monaco Skeleton Dial Pieces”. They found that the Monaco line has been a critical feature on celebs' wrists like “Joe Siffert, Jochen Rindt, and a true friend of the brand, Steve McQueen, who famously wore a TAG Heuer Monaco in the 1971 film “Le Mans”. Watch out, we are in the presence of icons!

Now TAG Heuer and Monaco are as closely intertwined as cookies and cream. You cannot have one without the other. And it is the epitome of what the brand is all about. It screams TAG from every timekeeping orifice. Keen horophiles will instantly know the legendary design of the watch as well as its powerful connection to Steve McQueen, appearing in the 1971 film “ Le Mans.”

But time moves on as they say. Sure we all love the energetic spirit and thrills of both the Monaco Grand Prix and the watch. From Alain Prost speeding off at the Chicane Du Port in 1982 to Lewis Hamilton, making history in 2019 for the fastest ever qualifying lap in a time of 1m:10.166s, there’s always something grabbing fans' eyes.

Source: TAG Heuer

None more so than the revamped TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph watches. A different route you might think for them to steer towards. Sure, they do great luxury sports watches and first rate men’s watches to inspire race fans. But they pull no punches with the launch of three new colourways and perhaps looking for a more racier young generation of wearers.

As can be seen by Australian actor Jacob Elordi who has become the latest bright young thing to sport the Monaco. He may have not caused hysteria by being the hottest new face of this timepiece but perhaps a smidgen of Euphoria!

Personality Of The TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph

Avant-garde in its visuals, technical and showcasing the movement through the striking dial, The TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph could be the best iteration yet. Perhaps even better than their unveiling of the Monaco "Riviera" Monte Carlo Boutique Limited Edition which showcased a sort of skeletonized Tiffany blue dial. But that was oh so 2022 my devoted time peeps.

And here at Chrono Hunter, we set trends, not make them. Let’s face it. Where else can you receive multiple offers from a wealth of established luxury retailers if you want to buy a watch or sell a watch?

Source: TAG Heuer

With more architecture thrown at it than the Arc De Triomphe, this forward thinking watch takes us on a different path…or chicane for that matter. You cannot say for a minute that this Swiss brand is attempting to break away from their epic horological symbol. Like Chrono Hunter, they are looking to disrupt the watchmaking chain of order just as in previous models like the 2023 TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer.

Measuring 39mm like the original, there remains a vintage nod to the original Monaco that has more stories to tell than Piers Morgan’s mobile phone. Nonetheless, The Monaco Skeleton Chronograph relies on its classic form when it comes to its measurements such as height (14.7mm) and length (47.4mm). Furthermore, this can also be seen in bevelled sapphire crystal and the crown positioned at 3 o’ clock.

But this is 2023 and to bring a contemporary and comfortable feel, many elements have been sandblasted like the case, pushers and crown. Now, you don’t need to be a square to buy a TAG Heuer of this nature. Famous wearers of the TAG Heuer Monaco through the ages have featured British comedian Ricky Gervais, Al Pacino in the film 88 minutes and Brad Pitt to name but a few.

Source: Famewatcher

But you are here for the skeleton dial aren’t you? Or should that be openworked? The timekeeping jury is still out whether or not this is a genuine skeleton dial. That being said, you cannot deny the detail that shows through that is somewhat daring, sharp and a tad graphic. The sub-dials have been given a modern revamp while the circular seconds track encased within a square cased dial is another risque move. But it works.

Meanwhile, if you like your Super-Luminova well and truly coated like a Ferrari flagship store after a visit by Just Stop Oil, this F1 watch has it in spades. Date aperture, hands, indexes, you name it…a little OTT for some horophiles but if you like your watches graphic this might be right up your street, alley or pit lane! We aint huge fans of Super-Luminova but the forward-thinking feel on the TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph seems to do the trick.

Source: TAG Heuer

You can find this new novelty in three exciting colours;

Original blue with a blue sandblasted dial
Racing red that enjoys a black sandblasted dial with red hues
Turquoise with a black sandblasted dial coupled with DLC titanium and striking turquoise tones.

Other Specs:

Caseback: Screwed sapphire / Material: Grade 2 titanium / References: CBL2182.FT6235 (Blue model), CBL2183.FT6236 (Black model), CBL2184.FT6236 (Black DLC model) / Functions: Date, hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters / Dial: Skeletonized / Water Resistance: 100m / Clasp Type: Folding with double safety push buttons.

Calibre Heuer 02

Take a look inside and enthusiasts will find the new in-house Heuer 02. Beating at a respectable 4Hz, this automatic chronograph movement has evolved ever so slightly and brings with it an 80 hour power reserve. Did they time it to match the 80th anniversary of the Monaco Grand Prix? Impressive if they did.

Mind you, this gives you sufficient time to jet off in style for any Formula One Weekend, be it Bahrain, Canada on the 16th of June or the Austrian Grand Prix on the 30th of June, sponsored by none other than Rolex. The interior is just as mesmerising as the exterior thanks to a vertical clutch, column wheel and Geneva stripe which can be admired through the sapphire caseback.

Do TAG Heuer Watches Hold Their Value?

Unlike the big horological giants in the watchmaking world such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe, the majority of TAG Heuer watches won’t tend to accrue value over time. In fact, the value will usually diminish by around 10% over the course of three to four years before levelling off.

Despite being around since 1860, there are a few factors that determine if TAG Heuer watches increase in value;

A lot of their watches are not made from semi-precious or precious materials like yellow gold meaning they will not be as decent an investment opportunity.
Desirability - The old adage of supply and demand. TAG produces hundreds of thousands of timepieces annually and will not be as in demand as say watches from luxury brands that produce fewer like AP or Richard Mille (5,000 each year).
Limited edition or heritage watches - TAG has a deep connection with motorsport and has produced a number of different exclusive watches. Due to their collabs alongside Red Bull, Formula E and the Indy 500, makes some of their watches potentially investable. Take for example the F1 watches from 1986 and the limited edition Super Mario timepieces in association with Nintendo which sold out almost instantly.
Celeb appeal - A firm fixture on the red carpet, they are no stranger to being flaunted on the wrist by many high profile individuals. Brand ambassadors including Ryan Gosling have catapulted TAG Heuer to a new and excited audience, keeping them firmly in the horological spotlight.

Ensure to maintain the value of your TAG Heuer by keeping a firm hold of your paperwork, Certificate of Authenticity and box to prove the authenticity of the watch. If you want to discuss how to buy a TAG Heuer, Chrono Hunter will be delighted to assist. Contact us here to find out more and receive multiple offers from our trusted luxury retailers, giving you the best possible price when you decide to buy a watch.

What Is The Best TAG Heuer Watch To Invest In?

Autavia, Source: TAG Heuer

We have to mention the Monaco and The Carrera collections which are legendary watches in their own right. These are arguably the best TAG Heuer watches to invest in due to their high collectability among enthusiasts and back story.

The Carrera takes its inspiration from the high energy Carrera Panamericana race and were produced to cater for speed and motor freaks. Sought after Carrera watches feature the Jack Heuer Birthday Gold Limited Edition to coincide with CEO Jack Heuer’s 88th birthday and the TAG Heuer Autavia which originally began as a dashboard timer for cars and aviation.

Derived from both AUTos and AVIAtion, the 12 hour stop watch with accuracy to 1/5th of a second stood up to the most rigorous of automotive and aviator related examinations. Discontinued in 1985 and reemerging in 2019, this is another hot investment potential for collectors or enthusiasts.

Tom Holland with a sneaky peek of the Carrera Glassbox, Source: Tumblr

Fast forward to the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix and Spider-Man actor Tom Holland got all racing (and timekeeping) fans hot under the collar after he sported the new 60th Anniversary Carrera Chronograph Glassbox. One of the coolest watches of 2023 so far, you can forget about Conor McGregor’s Jacob and Co Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette in rose gold which was spotted track side.

Released at Watches and Wonders 2023, this legendary revamped timepiece just goes to show it’s still as hot as the competition on the grid. Pair it with a bright green shirt like Peter Parker and some off beige trousers or flex it on South Beach alongside a white linen shirt and khaki green shorts for that vacay vibe.

How Much Is A TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph?

Forming part of their permanent collection, celebrate eight decades of racing greatness and buy a TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph from £9,350 at the time of writing. It is available in either a black or blue calfskin embossed leather and rubber bi-material strap that is made from grade 2 titanium and has been sandblasted.

What’s Our View?

Feathertouch thanks to the ultra-lightweight titanium design with a distinctive skeleton dial, the intensity of this new release is almost as palpable as Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Max Verstappen dining together.

We do, though like the avant-garde aesthetics and the skeletonized dial which means they are daring to go where other luxury brands aren’t…well kind of. This contemporary look for the Monaco means they are playing catchup as far as the other skeleton chronograph watches are concerned from timekeeping big wigs like Richard Mille that are full of wacky things like pineapples and a smiley emoji as seen on the RM 88 Automatic Winding Tourbillon Smiley Tourbillon, worn by Pharrell.

One thing’s for sure, all of this sure does make us feel quite happy.

Conclusion

Standin' on your mama's porch, you told me that it'd last forever. Oh, and when you held my hand I knew that it was now or never. Sound familiar? Like Bryan Adams, many horophiles were dreaming of the Summer of '69 when the first Monaco blue dial watch was introduced.

But TAG Heuer has moved with the times to a degree and unleashed a skeleton dial that still respects its origins. Whilst this new artistic interpretation may look odd on the wrist of former wearers like Sammy Davis Jr, you can still be as cool as Steve McQueen was…just with a little more attitude. In timekeeping circles, Monaco's precise heritage is pretty much unparalleled, putting it alongside timekeeping overlords like The Royal Oak or Patek Philippe Nautilus.

And then more recently, there’s Gran Turismo actor Archie Madekwe who flexed a TAG Heuer Monaco. Where else…at the Monaco Grand Prix! Now that’s great timing. This aint Form Und Technik per se, like IWC, but much more a case of TAG (Technique d’Avant-Garde).

Want to buy a TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph at the best possible price? Save time and contact Chrono Hunter here. Benefit from multiple offers in next to no time from our trusted selection of luxury watch retailers and choose which one is right for you. Download our dedicated app today or simply enter the details of the watch via our simple online form. Our peerless service, expertise and first-class reviews on Trustpilot, make us your number one source when you decide to buy a watch or sell a watch.

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