The history of this TAG Heuer Monaco
The House of TAG Heuer presents a masterpiece of watchmaking history with this chronograph. Born in 1969 at the instigation of Jack Heuer, the Monaco revolutionised the industry by introducing the very first water-resistant square case. This innovation housed the famous Chronomatic project, one of the world's first self-winding chronograph movements. To underline this major technological advance, the winding crown was cleverly moved to the left-hand side. The message is clear: the watch can now be wound simply by moving the wrist. The myth was definitively established in 1971 when actor Steve McQueen decided to wear this emblematic blue dial on the set of the film Le Mans. The reference CAW211P follows in this footsteps and pays a highly faithful tribute to the original 1969 timepiece.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Monaco
Sculpted from a block of stainless steel with alternating finishes, this timepiece boasts characteristic dimensions of 39 millimetres by 39 millimetres. The thickness of around 15 millimetres houses a complex mechanical architecture. The matt blue opaline dial absorbs the light to ensure optimum legibility beneath the strongly domed and bevelled sapphire crystal. The facetted horizontal hour-markers and rhodium-plated hands are accompanied by a touch of bright red lacquer on the central second hand. Powered by the modern Calibre 11, this modular automatic chronograph beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 40 hours. The movement's 59 jewels and meticulous finishing are revealed through the sapphire crystal caseback. The whole is mounted on a perforated black calfskin leather strap, reference FC6356, secured by a steel folding clasp decorated with the brand's historic shield. The watch guarantees water resistance to 100 metres.
Why this TAG Heuer watch
This precise iteration stands out as the most desirable for discerning collectors. Unlike versions equipped with more recent calibres featuring a traditional right-hand crown, this model perpetuates the historical asymmetrical architecture. The exclusive presence of the vintage Heuer logo on the dial, without the contemporary wording, reinforces this authenticity. Opting for this configuration on the second-hand market makes it possible to acquire a true cultural icon combining the singular aesthetics of the 1970s with the reliability of contemporary watchmaking.
Delivered contents and condition
This piece is offered in an extremely complete configuration. The future purchaser will receive the watch with its red outer box, its luxurious presentation case, the instruction booklet, the historical booklet dedicated to the legend of the model, as well as its international warranty card. A second blue leather strap completes the set. The overall condition is very good, with only a few micro-scratches from normal use on the polished surfaces of the case. A light courtesy polish can be carried out on request to restore it to its former glory.
Guarantee and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece. We offer absolute peace of mind with a 24-month guarantee and accept returns within 10 days according to our terms and conditions. As Switzerland's leading second-hand retailer with the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for on-site fitting and collection or fully secure international shipping.
* Very good condition - watch already worn and polished. Slight signs of external wear. Case and bracelet in excellent condition overall.
