TAG Heuer Monza

May 04, 2023

At Baselworld 2015, TAG Heuer issued an interesting chronograph in the Carrera Telemeter. Following on the footsteps of this piece, the brand has decided to go retro once again in order to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of its other racing-inspired chronographs. Our team met with the marque at this years show to take a look at the attractive TAG Heuer Monza.Head on with the new TAG Heuer MonzaRetro is back with the TAG Heuer MonzaWith the recent introduction of the Autavia Cup (dont forget to vote!!!), where online users can vote in a knockout-style contest to determine the theme of an Autavia reissue, it seems that TAG has really started to grasp the importance of their history. I only say this because, over the years, theyve swayed back and forth on futuristic or retro (I like a healthy balance). With this years release, the TAG Heuer Monza, the company focuses on one of the brands more quiet pieces. Its an interesting release, but I suppose it makes sense due to the models anniversary. Also, the fact that Monza was done in black originally fits in well with the recurring theme of coated watches we noticed at the big show.The TAG Heuer Monza contains a lovely dial with a sunburst finish that works well with the caseThe TAG Heuer Monza blends the old and newYes, the TAG Heuer Monza is back after a return in the late 1990s and early 2000s in stainless form. The cues are a blend of what we saw in the late 90s with a rounded square case C all sides look equal in length C and the original 70s models in color palette.? (Head to OnTheDash for a nice overview of the early models.) The colors are sharp indeed with a PVD-coated titanium case (42mm) and a sunburst dial done in black, white and red. It also features a pulsometer/tachymeter like the original. The watch brings in a really attractive big-hole rally strap thats buttery in texture and really does look the vintage part.? The deployant clasp is also PVD-coated titanium and features a 2-button clasp with a huge vintage Heuer logo.A look at the backside of the TAG Heuer Monza leather strapInside the TAG Heuer Monza, the Calibre 17 does business. Its the ETA 2894-2, which is an automatic, modular chronograph. It features a date and two registers. The rightmost is a running seconds and the leftmost is a 30-minute counter. A quick-change date sits at 6:00.The TAG Heuer Monza sports a modular movement – hence the reason for the non-linear arrangement of the crown and pushersFrom the side, its unfortunately obvious that its modular as the bare stainless crown sits lower than the (also uncoated) pushers. Its not my favorite look and is one we saw on the Fortis Tycoon during last year, but its really not visually concerning when on the wrist. As a note, the Carrera from last year used the Calibre 18-a different modular movement.THe TAG Heuer Monza features very 70 s styled hands – note the left sub registerBrief thoughts on the TAG Heuer MonzaNow that the specs have been detailed, Ill give my thoughts on the new TAG Heuer Monza. Honestly, I really liked it in person. As mentioned, the contrast is very sharp and I really like the fact that TAG used vintage cues such as the left register hand that harken back to the 70s pieces. I also like the fact that the case isnt exactly like the 70s piece and that the case is in titanium. Sadly, despite the fact that its only 42mm in diameter, it didnt really fit me. It was a bit tall and it porpoised a touch on my wrist. Of course, I hadnt really tightened down the display strap, but my overall feeling is that it wears like a bigger watch. This, incidentally, wont be a big issue for most buyers.The TAG Heuer Monza on the wrist of Blaise…looking much better on him than it did meSome other points I really like about the TAG Heuer Monza are the crown and pushers. I like the style of the pump pushers as well as the adequate Heuer signed crown. The alternating brushed and polished finishing on the case also looks great and high quality C certainly more luxurious than the chip-prone original models from 40 years ago. Also, note the aged lume on the shot above (the lighting was awful otherwise). Finally, you get the feeling that this is a robust watch with its 100m water-resistance so, again, this isnt your Dads Monza.The screw down case back of the TAG Heuer MonzaThe Price of the TAG Heuer Monza…and the difference of a yearLast year, you may remember that I gave a fairly heavy sigh at the price of the Carrera Telemeter. Well, what a difference a year makes and that fact that the Euro aint what it used to be because the nearly identical list price of 4950 Euros sounds a heck of a little sweeter (in US Dollar translation) in 2016 versus 2015. In todays world, its certainly inexpensive, but its a nicely done retro model with enough modernity to make it fresh. The TAG Heuer Monza will be a limited edition but not numbered, so lets see how tough it is to source.More information on the TAG Heuer Monza can be found on the official website. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA