Tag Heuer Monaco- thoughts and input?

[Formerguide]

So, not a huge fan of TAG on a whole. I appreciate some of their Carreras, and think they are as well marketed as any brand, but few of their pieces speak to me.

But 2 weeks ago, while in Pittsburgh, I saw the blue Monaco for the first time in the flesh. Have to say, I really liked it. A lot. A whole lot. Enough that I'm considering finding one at a good price, may use the AD in Pgh actually (Orr's Jewelers, where I bought my wife some jewelry that very day...)

Anyway, I know very little about it, but I know at least some of you own this piece. Questions are, is it sportier or dressier? Decent for everyday wear, or out of place due to it's "bold" look and square case? Is it a piece you continue to like, or tire of due to it's singular look?

Also, is the blue face specifically linked to Steve McQueen? Again, not super familiar with it, but the blue dial makes me think "Aha, Steve McQeen" while the black does not, if that makes any sense...

Thanks in advance!

Dan

[sea0bass]

V4 is the only drool worth Monaco. LS is very nice but not anywhere nearly as exceptional.

[Watchbreath]

Used to sell them, they didn't do a thing for me.

[RTea]

Not a fan of square case watches but the watch has heritage. And when I think of Steve McQueen, I think of Persol and his Rolex Sub no date first, not the Monaco.

I also am a bit confused about which Monaco is the real McQueen version since it seems like people are slapping this term in several styles. I read an article about it but it escapes me at the moment.

[jilgiljongiljing]

I too like the blue Monaco. But I think its overpriced at MSRP by quite a bit. Even with a decent AD discount, I dont think I'll find the urge to pick one up. However if you really like the style, its quite iconic and a real stand out.

[Raza]

Blue dial and two subdials--the "McQueen" model, worn in LeMans.
The Monaco Vintage model, white dial, with blue and red stripes--also a McQueen model, limited edition in his honor.

And yes, the Monaco is amazing, don't listen to the haters. I wouldn't do without mine.


(My photo)


(Not my photo)

[Raza]

Used to sell them, they didn't do a thing for me.

I've never seen you actually say that you liked a watch.

[Formerguide]

Raza, your vintage LE Monaco is wicked cool, I've never seen one before. I can only assume long since sold out, I may look for a used one along the way, thanks for the share!

Dan

[Mojo31]

The Monaco has been on my wish list for some time. I was first really into the black faced watch, but my wife was pushing me in the direction of the blue McQueen although I don't care for the blue gator band. Earlier this month I had a chance to check out the limited edition grey reissue (CAW211B), and decided it was the "one." Every time I wear it someone comments on what a cool watch it is.

I find I can wear it with jeans, casual clothes, or with a suit.



(Web image - sorry for the huge image!)

[marchone]

It's been a pop icon since Le Mans premiered and Jack Heuer took it seriously. As do a lot of other people. Cool history.

The current one is probably a better watch.





Steve McQueen and the TAG Heuer Monaco 1133 | Tag Heuer Watches

TAG Heuer Monaco - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"McQueen Monaco"


The Monaco 1133 became synonymous with Steve McQueen when he wore it in his 1971 film, Le Mans.^[8] His association with this model began when McQueen sought the advice of his friend Jo Siffert to increase the accuracy of his race car driver role. Siffert, in addition to being a racing driver, was also spokesperson for both Heuer and Gulf Oil. At McQueen’s request, Siffert lent him his racing suit which was adorned with Gulf Oil's colors and an embroidered "Chronograph HEUER" crest over the right breast.^[8] In order to complete the look, McQueen opted for the newly introduced B model Calibre 12 Monaco.^[8][10]
After McQueen arrived home following filming, he gave his watch to his financial advisor as a token of appreciation. The advisor was credited with returning McQueen and his company, Solar Productions Inc., into the black after they encountered financial problems during filming.^[3] Because of his association, the 1133 is commonly nicknamed "McQueen Monaco".^[8]
Even after his death in 1980, McQueen's name continued to be associated with the watch. TAG Heuer capitalized on his continuing popularity by using films stills of McQueen wearing his Monaco watch in advertising campaigns.^[11][12] In 1998, TAG Heuer reissued the model as a limited edition with a production run of 5,000 watches.^[13]
The McQueen Monaco has become one of the most sought after pieces in the international vintage markets. As only a handful of the original are believed to be still in existence, demand far exceeds supply.^[1] Original blue models are capable of reaching $9,000 with decent example going for $7,000. The less desirable gray models go for over $6,000.^[14]