Tag Heuer to publish book marking 50 years of Monaco
Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer are set to publish a book celebrating five decades of their iconic Monaco timepiece.
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It’s been lauded, collected, updated and re-issued for decades, but is the Monaco a modern classic?
Yes. Yes it is.
Of course, we could have toyed a while longer, perhaps delved further to tease out the men and women than have infamously adorned the square watch before inevitably coming to the same conclusion.
We could have regaled you with stories of Steve McQueen, who almost single-handedly launched the watch into the horological stratosphere in the 1971 movie Le Mans, or indeed spoke to the evolution of the model’s complex movement.
But no doubt, you’re aware of all that.
After all, TAG Heuer hasn’t been quiet about its love for the soft-cornered Monaco model. Catherine Eberlé-Devaux, TAG Heuer Heritage Director, has even called it “a door into the TAG Heuer brand,” and we’re inclined to agree.
“Many collectors start with the Monaco and are then drawn into our world, eventually finding another collection to focus on, but always cherishing the piece that started it all.”
Aside from the distinctive square shape, the watch’s allure stems from its strong link to car racing. It’s a history that has now been extensively explored in a new book, entitled Paradoxical Superstar, capturing the spirit of the unlikely icon. Featuring musings from renowned British journalist Nicholas Foulkes and watch expert Gisbert Brunner, the tome also includes passages from watch aficionado Michael Clerizo, documenting Steve McQueen’s relationship with the Monaco.
The book will be available from TAG Heuer boutiques and via the brand’s online store.
On the eve of the Monaco’s 50th birthday, we think it deserves three rounds of hurrahs.
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