Baselworld 2016: Heuer Monza Chronograph - 40th Anniversary
andrewluff
I am a big fan of the direction Tag Heuer is going at the moment under the leadership of Jean-Claude Biver, both in terms of their normal mechanical range but also for the connected watch. They may not all be for me (verdict is still out on the connected watch) but it seems that their catalogue contains something for everyone at the right price point.
A nice simple case back hiding the super reliable caliber 16 movement (ETA 2894-2)
No modern TAG Heuer logo on the crown... just the classic Heuer shield.
and on the wrist, for me they have made in in the perfect size (I wouldn't have liked it any bigger but this size is a modern update of the original)
It was interesting in a conversation with Jean-Claude Biver that he mentioned that they have been focusing on the perceived value of their watches verses the retail cost, so for example it might look that is is worth CHF10,000 but in fact they are retailing it for a third of the price. This is very important for new young collectors or for people coming into the brand, of course this is especially the case for the Carrera Heuer-02T Tourbillon which retails at les than CHF15,000, something no one else is doing in the Swiss watch sector.
However, I have found a surprise and that is the remake of the vintage Monza of the 70's to mark the 40th Anniversary of Niki Lauda's first world championship title. The press release can be found here (News Central) but are the press pictures translated to the actual watch in the hand?
A nice simple case back hiding the super reliable caliber 16 movement (ETA 2894-2)
No modern TAG Heuer logo on the crown... just the classic Heuer shield.
and on the wrist, for me they have made in in the perfect size (I wouldn't have liked it any bigger but this size is a modern update of the original)
In my opinion, its a stunning piece and one that I will definitely buy!
What is not to like... clean angles, light titanium case (coated in black titanium carbide), vintage look lume markers, the use of the large Heuer logo and the clean printed 'Monza', the date at 6 o'clock and not forgetting the vintage look racing strap!
Cheers
Andrew
Comments:
KMII March 21st, 2016-09:11
I like the direction a lot! Maybe not so convinced by the Connected watch yet but the idea of offering more watch for the money, and the results coming out lately (with the Monza you posted being a prime example), I think they are definitely going in the right direction Has it been ...
andrewluff March 21st, 2016-09:33
Did you miss this... They have an Autavia Cup was announced few weeks ago to decide which Autavia reissue to do next year! Todd wrote about it here ( Autavia Cup ) and a link to the actual competition is here ( TAG Heuer Autavia Cup ). Cheers Andrew ...
KMII March 21st, 2016-09:37
Did not miss it... But the link somehow did not work for me / with my computer. So it is still being voted upon?
andrewluff March 21st, 2016-09:41
Its only just started... The first round of 16 Autavia finishes on the 30th March, then continues down to 8 watch, 4 watches and a winner. Cheers Andrew
KMII March 21st, 2016-10:27
Thanks for clarifying! Quite curious which one it will be
ocwatching March 22nd, 2016-16:09
this has me looking back at Heuer again.. nice release with all the right details... and a great price at low $5K USD.
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