Horological Meandering

MONACO Twenty Four Concept Chronograph


The Monaco's iconic image was popolarized by the actor Steven Mcqueen in a racing film with the Porsche 917 driving
scenes.  At that time, the official  Heuer ambassador was Jo Siffert, a Swiss Le Mans and Formula 1 driver.   Mcqueen
wanted to replicate himself as real as possible, right down to the Heuer Chronograph worn by Siffert.  Accordingly, it was
the Heuer Chronograph's radicle look which broke the tradition making it standout from the pack.

The name was specially picked too.  During 60's, Heuer had a Monte Carlo watch and a new name for the new
avant-garde Chronograph should appeal to a chic, high-end target public who frequent places like Monte Carlo.
Thus the name - 'Monaco',  was later chosen.

The revival of the Monaco started in 2003 with the Monaco 69, 2004 with the Monaco V4 the belt-driven concept watch
(which should be released in November to commemorate the Monaco's 40th Anniversary).  In 2007, the Monaco 360LS
Concept Chronograph and this year, 2009,  the Monaco 24.

The Monaco 24 was covered by Timm Delfs at Basel 2009.  
To read his writeup, please 
The unique tubular design Monaco 24 concept watch is inspired by  the GT racecar technology.

The two-part see-through PVD coated case of 40.5mm consists of a Calibre 36 Movement
(beating at 36,000 beats/hour), a Zenith El Primero, suspended by four “energy manifold”
 steel-tube-housing similar to a race-car’s driver’s protective cockpit cage. 


Polished black PVD-coated case with a huge sapphire crystal is to better address the scratching issue.
 It seems water-resistant to 100m.


The thick and convex double anti-reflective sapphire crystal for better readability.


Clear view even from the side or at an angle.


The subdials- at 3'o clock, indicating the chronograph minute while the at 9 o'clock indicating the small second.

The two-part dial’s semi sub-counters at 9 and 3 o’clock have “doubled” hands (coloured orange and white),
the readout will need to do some arithmetic.













An oversize “24” at 12 o’clock and the emblematic blue and orange of Gulf Oil (the same colours
TAG Heuer Ambassador Steve McQueen wore in his 1970 film classic, Le Mans) , in honour of the 24 of Le Mans.

Note a layer of transparent ink was  printed to create a glossy contrast.


The Allen screw secured  the steel-tubing which you later see.


The Lug-design is shorter than the current Monaco casing which is good for smaller wrist.


The signed crown and the chronograph pushers.


A side view of the case, if you could note the extreme curved and thick sapphire.


A sketch of the suspended movement.



The rotor material is made of high density tungsten, and shaped like a GT car's chrome mag wheel.



Note the movement is suspended with the help of four steel-tubular arms (which are secured to case with the allen screws).

More importantly, note the black band between the orange and steel tubing.  The black band is a
“composite filler”  shock-absorbing insulating material used in aerospace and auto racing.
Understand this Advanced Dynamic Absorption System (ADAS), could absorb up to 24,000G,
which is the same as a 20-metre fall.

Observe the gaps between the chrono-pushers, while the winding stem is attached to the crown.
A special joint is used attaching the stem to the crown, which allows the crown
to move and isolate it from any vibration from the case.





Another view ...


The joining of the tubular arm to the casing after secured by the allen screw.

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