TAG Heuer will re-issue one of its most iconic racing-inspired timepieces, the Monza chronograph, as a limited-edition model.
Originally introduced in the 1930s, the Monza is distinguished by its round dial and cushion-cut case. This beautiful fusion of shapes emulates the curvature of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, a famous Italian racing circuit for which the timepiece is named. The juxtaposing silhouettes are an ideal frame for the watch’s stark white dial, bright blue hands and oversized, luminescent Arabic numerals.
The 38 mm model also celebrates TAG Heuer’s history by featuring the brand’s original Heuer logo, which is flanked on the dial by two counters at 3 and 9 o’clock. Stainless steel pushbuttons at 2 and 4 o’clock, a hand-applied date window at 6 o’clock and curved, sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment complete the chronograph’s markedly retro look.
The latest iteration of the Monza offers an unparalleled level of timekeeping ingenuity, thanks to its high-frequency Calibre 36 movement. Oscillating at an astonishing 36,000 beats per hour, the Calibre 36 provides chronograph functions of 1/10th of a second, delivering an exceptional degree of accuracy. Consumers can view this powerful engine through the Monza’s screw-in sapphire crystal caseback.
Offered on a textured, chocolate brown leather strap, the Monza is available in a limited worldwide quantity of 1,911, in recognition of the year Heuer’s Time of Trip, the world’s first dashboard chronograph was patented. Available in October, the piece will retail for about $7,900.
History of Monza
Constructed during the spring of 1922, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza motor racing circuit is internationally known as one of fastest, most challenging and dangerous courses in the world. Home of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, the 3.6 mile-long track tests drivers’ mettle with its long straights and tricky chicanes, the latter of which often cause spin-outs and engine failure.
TAG Heuer’s relationship with Monza is deeply rooted in the brand’s motor racing heritage. From 1971 to 1979, TAG Heuer was the sponsor and official timekeeper of Team Ferrari, that decade’s most storied group of Formula 1 drivers. During this period, Team Ferrari claimed a string of victories at Monza, most notably on Sept. 7, 1975 when teammates Clay Regazzoni and Niki Lauda took first and third place, respectively. To honor these impressive victories, TAG Heuer honorary chairman Jack Heuer named one of his stunning chronographs the Monza.