Why the Tag Heuer Monaco is an Icon

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When it comes to chronographs, there a few icons every watch enthusiast knows including the Omega Speedmaster, Rolex Daytona, and the Tag Heuer Monaco. In this video, I'll share a bit about the history of the Monaco as one of the world's first automatic chronographs, then dig into a review of the modern Monaco, and finish up by exploring why the Tag Heuer Monaco has reached its position as an icon among watches and especially chronographs.

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[RacnJasn]

I’ve always loved this watch. I’m a car guy, I explained the significance of the Monaco and the epic coolness of Steve McQueen to my son many years ago when he noticed the watch in an ad. Years later, tragedy happened and my amazing boy died at 26yo. A bright fun guy that loved cars and motor sports. A couple months after he passed my wife and I went to NYC for a charity bicycle ride for breast cancer. We explored the city and had a brief escape from our crushing grief. While doing the mandatory tourist stroll down 5th I looked in a shop window and there it was. The Monaco. I’d never seen one aside from magazines. My immediate reaction was WOW, even more striking in person. A definite presence was felt. Then I started to cry uncontrollably remembering my son. I went in the store weeping, unsettling the staff no doubt. I was treated so graciously and thoughtfully. I told them I was going to buy the watch, I didn’t even know the cost. No other watch was looked at or considered. I tried on the watch and didn’t find it very comfortable, slightly awkward and bulky. I loved it lol. The store showed me the classic Monaco then brought me the Gulf edition that blew me away and I bought it. It’s design and shape has become so comfortable and definitely suits my personality. It’s more than a time piece to me. It’s a connection with my son that I miss every single day and the memories of him and our love of cars, Porsche’s and cool guys like Steve McQueen. Thanks for posting this great explanation and history of IMO a true iconic watch.

[dannemannen]

I bought a watch because it was on Walter Whites wrist in Breaking bad. I am of course talking about the Casio CA53W

[tspatz]

My favorite piece of all time. Absolutely iconic. 10/10 cool factor. Beautiful. I will own one before I die, mark my word.

[RD-wgnt]

I bought the latest Monaco Gulf edition. It’s stunning and a real eye catcher. Let’s be honest there’s so many chronograph, dress and dive watches that just recycle the same design aesthetic. In 2022, the Monaco still looks fresh and unique. A true icon.

[ericpignatore]

All the I hate TAG except the Monaco people joining the conversation in 3...2...1... I love this watch, always have, always will and there is a spot in my watch box for one in the near future.

[Ivan-cwip]

“Holy shxt, is that a Monaco?”
“You’re god damn right”

[betog.]

Steve McQueen liked it. Jessie Pinkman gifted Walter White a Monaco. That's all I need to know.

[jmso]

Absolutely an icon! To me, in addition to the Monaco, the Speedmaster, Daytona, El Primero, and Navitimer are the top 5 iconic chronos.

[baskiwidianto]

mine with the steel bracelet.. literally "heavy" combination for my small wrist. But it's an Icon with provenance..

[FightBoyDs]

Once I can actually afford a watch in this price range the Monaco is my first purchase, absolutely love the looks.

[wristschatz]

Every watch person: "I don't like TAG, but I like the Monaco"

[jeremygross]

I bought the Cal 11 remake with the crown on the left side. The coolest watch I own.

[caseyparkin]

The Monaco was my first nice watch. The case does take a while to get used to on your wrist. I am in sales(Porsche) and it is quite respected when people come in with watches 10x the cost. Mine came with the blue alligator band which is pretty garish. Had a band made that is quite reminiscent of the band on the original McQueen watch.

[DustandPiers]

Monaco showed up on my list after seeing Anthony Bourdain wear it to the closing service at El Bulli. A total classic, timelessly cool.

[sunderball]

I love this watch. I actually got it as a gift for my birthday from one of my old students. Trying to wear it everyday, even to the lab.

[WMUCarGuy]

Absolutely LOVE the Monaco. It had been my grail watch for 20 years and I finally just got one.

"We went for the most faithful interpretation of Steve McQueen's Monaco"

You guys know they still make a Calibre 11-powered (albeit a modern version of the C11) Monaco that features a left-hand crown and horizontal indices - JUST like the one McQueen wore? THAT is the quintessential Monaco, and it's the one that's on my wrist right now!

And, while you did touch on the Monaco being (among) the world's first automatic chronographs, but you missed it's other contributions to horology - it was also the world's first square chronograph and the first water-resistant square or rectangular watch.

[Z-Man]

Another great video Teddy. When I first saw the Monaco, I thought it was strange and definitely not my style. As I've become more interested in horology over the past year+, I now appreciate what the Monaco is and it's importance in the watch world. I'd love to someday add one to my collection.

[slowkite]

Bought mine today, after nearly overthinking the purchase….now I know for sure, I will never stop wearing this watch…

[thebaldwatchcollector]

This is my HOLY GRAIL, nice to see some love towards it, thanks Teddy

[DeanBaco]

I love the Monaco! I've been wanting to get me one for quite some time now and I tried on several variations. I finally bought myself the latest Gulf edition yesterday, on the day of the Monaco GP, it just was meant to be :) So happy with this watch, such a nice timepiece, I look forward to wearing it a lot! Great video, by the way!