The history of this TAG Heuer Monaco
Unveiled in 1969, the Heuer Monaco was the first automatic chronograph housed in a water-resistant square case. Steve McQueen wore it in 1971 in the film *Le Mans*. In the late 1970s, a version with a blackened case was nicknamed the ‘Dark Lord’ by collectors. Its black finish would scratch at the slightest touch, and well-preserved examples have become rare. TAG Heuer is paying tribute to it on 27 May 2022, at the opening of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, with the TAG Heuer Monaco Dark Lord, reference CBL2180.FC6497, a special edition with no limited run. Rather than a faithful reissue, the brand has opted for a contemporary interpretation in DLC-coated titanium, whilst the rose gold-plated hour markers evoke the patina of the tritium on the original dials.
Case, movement and strap of this Monaco
The 39 mm square case is machined from grade 2 titanium, coated in black DLC and then sandblasted, with a thickness of 13.8 mm. The crown at 3 o’clock is flanked by two faceted pushers, and a raised sapphire crystal covers a dial divided into two zones. The circular-brushed centre contrasts with a grained periphery that evokes the texture of asphalt. The applied hour markers and the hour and minute hands are 5N rose gold-plated and coated with white Super-LumiNova, whilst the chronograph hands stand out in red. The square 12-hour sub-dials at 9 o’clock and the 30-minute sub-dials at 3 o’clock frame the small seconds dial and the date window at 6 o’clock. The transparent case back, secured by four screws, reveals the TH20-00 calibre, a manufacture chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch, featuring bidirectional automatic winding. It offers an 80-hour power reserve at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and its bridges, decorated with Côtes de Genève, feature a 5N rose gold-plated oscillating weight. The watch is water-resistant to 100 metres. The 22 mm black alligator leather strap fastens with a double-push-button safety folding clasp in black DLC-coated titanium.
Why this TAG Heuer watch
This TAG Heuer Monaco Dark Lord combines the Monaco’s square case with a latest-generation in-house calibre. The TH20-00 succeeds the Calibre Heuer 02, which powered the first models of 2022, featuring the same column-wheel architecture and the same 80-hour power reserve. The DLC coating on the titanium is far more scratch-resistant than the black finish on the 1970s Monaco, meaning you can wear this all-black model with confidence. The touches of rose gold and red remain understated against the matt black, and the titanium makes the case feel lighter on the wrist than a steel model. This pre-owned TAG Heuer Monaco, in mint condition, can be tried on in our shops before purchase.
Contents and condition
The watch is supplied as a complete set with its TAG Heuer presentation box featuring red velvet-lined flaps, its two outer boxes and its international warranty card. It looks as good as new, with no signs of wear visible to the naked eye on the case, the DLC coating, the crystal or the strap. The alligator leather has retained its shape and the sharp relief of its scales.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Like new – a new watch, never worn or in exceptional condition. No defects visible to the naked eye.
