ICON MEETS PERFORMANCE
In 1969 Jack Heuer launched the first square chronograph, the famous Monaco.
Forty years later, we had an opportunity to evolve this icon into a performance chronograph to be used during the 24 hour race in Le Mans.
The design challenge was to create a product without sentiment, a performance Monaco the way Jack Heuer would design it today; and at the same time give the series a new, relevant future whilst respecting its heritage.
The Monaco 24 was first conceived as a design concept shown in Basel 2007. It is now produced in limited editions and has become a symbol for TAG Heuer's avant-garde spirit and a sought-after collection piece.
The shock absorbing system fits perfectly inside the square case, keeping the iconography of Monaco while giving it new meaning and performance capabilities.
Driven by the demands of the Le Mans 24 hour endurance race, the movement of the Monaco 24 is suspended inside a monocoque case.
Four shock absorbers insulate against shock, resulting in a chronograph which can withstand impacts of up to 24,000G.
Design detail of the original concept chronograph 2009
The design features an oversized "24" at 12 and Gulf inspired blue and orange racing stripes on the dial, reminiscent of Tag Heuer Ambassador Steve McQueen’s role in the 1970 film Le Mans.
Concept design and consecutive limited editions of the successful Monaco 24: