Purple is the new black. Just ask TAG Heuer who has just reinvented its daring Monaco collection with a new limited-edition purple timepiece
By Joshua Hendren
Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer has introduced a sparkling new addition to its Monaco family: the TAG Heuer Monaco Purple Dial Limited Edition.
One of the world’s most influential watch designs, the Monaco was first unveiled in 1969. It departed from several watchmaking conventions with its signature square-shaped case and blue dial with contrasting white and red accents. Since then, the timepiece has continued to delight fans and collectors alike with many coveted variations of the boundary-pushing original, from the famed Dark Lord Monaco to the hand-wound Monaco 73633.
Limited to only 500 numbered pieces, the striking 2022 interpretation boasts a bold new aesthetic with a 39mm square steel case housed in a rich purple dial. The dial is presented in an elegant gradient from light purple in the centre to darker purple at the edge and comes finished with rhodium-plated indexes and hands and two black opalin sub-counters.
True devotees of TAG Heuer might recognise the subtle referencing to some of the earliest Heuer Monaco models; Reference 1113B, the Chronomatic version launched at the beginning of 1969, the transitional series – previously known as McQueen – and the Reference 1533 Calibre 15. These pieces were presented with a similar finish to their dials in a deep metallic blue paint over a brass plate. Over time, these dials have patinated from blue to a similar dégradé purple colour, sometimes slightly faded in the centre and darker around the edges adding further depth and sophistication to each piece.
Powering the Monaco Purple Dial Limited Edition is TAG Heuer’s in-house chronograph movement, Calibre Heuer 02, that can be viewed through a sapphire case back and features a customised oscillating mass, column wheel, and engravings with purple details. It also offers unrivalled timekeeping performance with a staggering power reserve of 80 hours.
Presented on a black alligator strap with purple lining, the new Purple edition honours the Monaco legacy with its timeless finishings and radical new look. Available from July 2022, the chronograph will be sold in TAG Heuer boutiques, on the brand’s e-commerce websites and at select retail partners – watch connoisseurs dare not miss out.
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