
There’s no scarcity of evocative and beloved nameplates within the TAG Heuer catalog, notably with regards to chronographs. Sequence just like the Carrera and Monaco have been fanatic mainstays for the reason that ‘60s, however there are a handful of rarer traces by the model’s lengthy historical past that solely seem in particular circumstances. The TAG Heuer Monza is maybe the most effective instance of this, returning to the model’s lineup solely a handful of instances since its introduction in 1976, and heralding a paradigm shift every time it seems. The unique Heuer Monza of the ‘70s was the model’s first-ever black-cased watch and celebrated the model’s partnership with the Ferrari Formulation 1 staff by its blazing Rosso Corsa crimson accents. When the TAG Heuer Monza returned within the early 2000s, it introduced with it a brand new give attention to early Twentieth-century-inspired styling and an all-new case design for the model. The final TAG Heuer Monza to be launched in 2016 grew to become one of the vital celebrated watches of that 12 months, on account of its “better of each worlds” strategy mixing a contemporary DLC-coated titanium case design with evocative ‘70s touches with out instantly copying the unique. For 2023, the Monza title returns to the TAG Heuer secure, and as with earlier iterations, this nameplate brings with it an modern new model. The brand new TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is an aggressive, dynamically trendy design that marries spectacular in-house motion efficiency with radical trendy aesthetics whereas nonetheless paying good-looking tribute to the Monza fashions that got here earlier than it.
Though the 42mm-wide case of the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer could share its general form and dimensions with the 2016 Monza, that is an totally completely different beast in preliminary photographs. First and most clearly, there’s the case materials itself. Quite than the earlier Monza’s wealthy piano black DLC-coated titanium, the Monza Flyback Chronometer makes use of ultra-lightweight matte cast carbon. This closely marbled, striated materials provides the semi-cushion case design a extra aggressive, trendy really feel, and the combo of deep blacks and grays layered all through the fabric imbues it with welcome visible complexity in photographs regardless of the totally matte ending. In one other departure from earlier Monza iterations, the Monza Flyback Chronometer opts for black DLC-coated stainless-steel for its crown and piston pushers for a darker, extra unified look. Round again, the Monza Flyback Chronometer provides a sapphire show caseback to the components to showcase its in-house flyback chronograph powerplant. Consistent with the sporty design ethos, the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer affords a strong 100 meters of water resistance.
Though the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer’s skeleton dial is a radical departure from the Monza iterations that got here earlier than, in some methods this futuristic design reinterprets the unique Monza’s ethos for the trendy period. That is most blatant within the recurring parts from earlier Monza designs – the white baton handset, the easy rectangles of lume on the hours, the colourful graphics at five-minute intervals on the chronograph minutes subdial, and the mixture tachymeter and pulsometer scale on the rehaut – but it surely shines by within the visible modifications as effectively. Like the unique 1976 Monza, it is a tribute to the successes of TAG Heuer’s companions in Formulation 1. Whereas the primary Monza was bedecked with the blazing crimson synonymous with Ferrari, lately TAG Heuer is partnered with Crimson Bull Racing, and consequently, the crimson accents are gone in favor of Crimson Bull’s blue and crimson colour palette. It’s a shift that markedly modifications the visible character of the watch, however one which does echo the spirit of its forebear. On a associated be aware, this helps to elucidate the shift from the 2016 Monza’s “Heuer” branding to the complete TAG Heuer emblem on the brand new iteration. This isn’t making an attempt to recapture the model’s Heuer-era previous, however to look into its future.
Admittedly, the asymmetrical skeleton dial design is not going to be to everybody’s style, however there’s impressively considerate design work all through this structure. The principle skeleton dial bridge echoes the rounded-square form of the Monza’s trademark bezel, whereas the general design maintains a give attention to legibility. There’s a full, clearly printed seconds scale on the fringe of the dial, which when coupled with the already clear handset makes for straightforward studying. The subdials at 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock additionally function surfaces of blue-tinted sapphire, putting an affordable steadiness between utility and the visible drama of a full skeleton design. TAG Heuer retains the 9 o’clock date window totally skeletonized within the vein of its extra modernist Carrera choices, however provides yet another hidden contact in pursuit of visible steadiness and legibility – for the primary time in TAG Heuer’s historical past, the date show is totally lumed in dial-matching blue Tremendous-LumiNova. This prevents a visible “gap” from forming on the dial in low gentle and makes this show straightforward to learn even in darkish circumstances.
TAG Heuer powers the Monza Flyback Chronometer with its in-house Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback automated chronograph motion. Beforehand solely accessible within the Autavia line, the Heuer 02 COSC Flyback expands on TAG Heuer’s flagship chronograph motion with an intricate flyback mechanism and a COSC chronometer certification for accuracy. Past this, the remainder of the Heuer 02 COSC Flyback’s efficiency continues to be exemplary, with a hefty 80-hour energy reserve at a 28,800 bph beat fee. Visually, the Heuer 02 COSC Flyback stays much like the usual Heuer 02 motion, with the identical Geneva-striped skeleton bridges, black-coated wheel-inspired skeleton rotor topped by Côtes de Genève, and the road’s distinctive uncovered column wheel in vivid crimson. To finish the package deal, TAG Heuer pairs the watch with a black textile strap that includes vibrant blue accent stitching.
TAG Heuer reviving the Monza title is an important day within the watch fanatic neighborhood, and like every revival earlier than it, the brand new TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer presents an modern design paired with a putting, racy new visible presentation. The TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is out there now solely by TAG Heuer boutiques, choose licensed sellers, and the model’s e-commerce platform. MSRP for the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer stands at $13,850 USD as of press time. For extra data, please go to the model’s web site.