The Controversial TAG Heuer Monaco - Cool or Ridiculous?

[@ID-Guy]

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[@tracywilkinson1820]

I bought a Calibre 11 after much debate, soul searching and contemplation. This is a lot of money to spend on a TAG. I have to say the physical piece is stunning and a delight to own. I don't wear it daily, but when I do it gets a lot of compliments and conversation, far more than my submariner and speedmaster. It's not for everyone, clearly. For me however, the big chunky case and the way the rectangles catch the light takes my breath away.

[@leep_uq]

If you have to choose between Submariner or the Monaco, which one would you pick?

[@CptnWinkee]

Well said. I love mine as well. There are deals to be had on Chrono24 and eBay. I picked up a very gently Monaco C11 for $2900 on eBay. Verified authentic, box and papers.

[@AutobahnVault]

How do you like it a year later. I saw a Monaco GULF edition at my local store and fell in love with it. Debating if I should pull the trigger and add it to my Submariner and Navitimer pieces.

[@silveriver9]

I have the Explorer and Speedy and am considering the Monaco calibre 11.

[@eliot451reade5]

Forget Steve McQueen. The TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 12 is the watch that Jesse Pinkman gave to Walter White for his 51st birthday in Breaking Bad. White then used it to time five different jailhouse murders all within 2 mins. We should call it the Heisenberg.

[@nikhil_mahajan685]

Came here to comment this. 😂

[@BrianMalley-m8q]

When Jessie gave Walt that watch is the moment his transformation into heisenberg became complete

[@mrbud8524]

King of cool, iconic, classic, legend, timeless, Heur Monaco calibre 11 is a must have watch in your watch collection! Walter white & Steve McQueen brought me here 😎

[@SteadiKit_]

Our boy Walter wore the Calibre 12

[@juniorjr5328]

I take a el primero over calibre 11 anyday. Calibre 11 is a modular chronograph, whilst el primero is a fully integrated 36,000 vph chronograph. The calibre 11 was also replaced quickly by calibre 12 due to the poor design causing many problems by the movement

[@alphagamingclan1359]

Have one and it has become the most notable in my collection. I collect GULF items, so I naturally had to have this classic, not to mention McQueen is the coolest ever.

[@cliffwheeler7357]

Somerset Maugham once said: "Monaco, a sunny place, full of shady people".

[@paranormalskeptic3893]

This is without a doubt one of my grail watches that I’ll probably never get to own. But I absolutely love the blue Steve McQueen version. My other grail is the blue Breitling Navitimer.

[@Iracingnoob]

Just got the Steve McQueen Monaco heuer and can confirm it instantly makes you feel cool. My Rolex’s seem basic and boring next to it.

[@StevenSanchez_95]

@@Iracingnoob are they still on the market?

[@Iracingnoob]

@@StevenSanchez_95 sold out on the website unfortunately you might find one for sale in a store maybe.

[@pedro888mendes]

Just got myself one… there are plenty of them on the second hand market

[@charlesfrusa5049]

I thought that.4 years ago, and I just got a brand new Monaco Gulf. Don't underestimate what you can do and your future.

[@mrfuriouser]

I just knew you would accept the challenge and rise to the occasion! Great take and video, as usual, my friend. I would suggest that if anyone is offered the chance to handle a Monaco (specifically one with the calibre 11) to take it and form their opinion with watch in-hand. Either way, it is quite a piece to experience.

[@chiliprepper7678]

I need a Ford GT40 to wear with this watch. 👍

[@paulthomson9709]

I'll take the porsche 917 then

[@tomasinacovell4293]

I actually love this watch.

[@modernworldiscrap]

A 993 will be enough...

[@TechPanzer]

917K > GT40

[@spittinvenom9671]

I’ll second that!!!

[@1wongatonga]

I have had one for 18 years and it always Sparks a conversation. Wrist candy...

[@danielmartini3229]

was it reliable and accurate? I have a feeling it isn't (not accurate anyway).

[@1wongatonga]

@@danielmartini3229 It still is reliable...

[@richardbenn5034]

I bought this watch for my 50th birthday, I was born in 1969 and spent time at the 50th Grand Prix In Monaco 1992… perfect timing to purchase, absolutely love the Caliber 12 beautiful.

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Another wonderful video on a very interesting watch.As a former owner of a Monaco Calibre 11, I can say that I enjoyed the compliments I received when i wore it, however it never really felt right or sat well on my wrist. So I eventually traded it in for a Rolex Explorer 214270 Mk 1 which I absolutely love and fits like a glove.

[@davidoneill4859]

It's both. Very cool, but like wearing a 70's television on your wrist.

Theres nothing 70s about this watch as it came out in 1969. The blue background is pure 60s along with the red and white dials/hands.

[@giofarias8296]

"like wearing a 70's television on your wrist." Which is also cool in my book.

[@manosxatzidakis4930]

This is my favorite chronograph watch. I don't know why but I like it more than the Daytona or the Speedmaster or the El Primero. It is so different and with so much more character imo. That is of course my personal opinion and taste

[@jameslyons6655]

Not really a watch guy but I noticed a Monaco while passing it in a store and mentioned it to my wife. She surprised me with the black dial version a few weeks later. Now I’m wearing it every day and really enjoying it. It is a larger watch but since I’m large (6’3”, 240lbs) it does not look out of place, at least I think it doesn’t. I’m kind of glad I didn’t get the blue. One reason is because the black dial pulls a bit away from Steve McQueen and Breaking Bad and the other is that I wear a lot more black than I do blue. But both look pretty cool.

[@G0K3001]

Thank you- My favorite celebrity watch,the name Monaco does visualize that life style.

[@davidb5720]

Can’t argue. Your insight, knowledge and passion for this is brilliant to watch and listen to. Your arguments are compelling and impossible to counter. Have you considered international diplomacy? I reckon you could sort out Brexit easily! Great vid as usual 😉👍

[@Voltanaut]

The "Steve McQueen" (crown on the left) is my fave watch, and I wear it daily, only switching it for my Tudor and Casio when appropriate. I even bought a bracelet for my Monaco because it doesn't come with one as standard, only leather. I love the watch for so many reasons: comfy case, great colourful dial, chronograph, two subdials (I dislike 3 subdials), crown on the left (I'm a lefty), and all the history. The watch is pure character, and despite the very outdated movement and lack of real technical marvel, no other watch makes me feel so happy. It's not a perfect watch, but it's my perfect watch, and it genuinely makes me so happy to wear it. I truly love it, and there's nothing else I'd wear every day for the rest of my life. My only wish is for TAG Heuer to update the movement (COSC would be great) and add better shock and magnetic resistance.

[@golfendeavor8267]

After 7 years of owning the Heuer Cal 11 Monaco I am still as excited about putting it on my wrist as I was on the first day I got it for my round birthday. I have the original box and McQueen packaging which came with the initial release in 2015. Saddly you don‘t see this around in recent years which is a shame. I will always cheerish it especially after admiring the Cal 12 in the windows during my younger years

[@enosmassey888]

Steve McQueen wore it.....simple as that

[@thegraciefighter102]

Only chose it because he’d never heard of Heuer and didn’t want anyone to exploit his name

[@adammerifield943]

Cool. Perfectly balanced design. I own one.

[@aross924]

How much is “service “? Ty

[@Vector2112]

I debated for years whether or not purchase this watch. It’s a lot of money for a Tag Heuer, or any watch for that matter. That said, I’m really glad I got the Calibre 11. It’s a great watch with a timeless look and iconic history. 🏁

[@led0073]

It's a personal thing, I am fortunate enough to have the new gulf special edition, I love it. People who are into watches do notice it even if it's not for them.

[@rustyshackleford17]

I've always been alright with the design. That said, with smart watches being more and more common nowadays, the square look is coming back. Heck even Sevenfriday's design looks cool

[@R-Tap]

I'm not rich, but I have a Monaco. I rarely wear it from one end of the year to another and largely don't think of it. However, when an important time in my life arrives, a wedding, a funeral, its my goto.

[@businessashusual]

Wear it! It does nothing sitting in a drawer.

[@jonathangould1255]

Stunning watch. I’ve listed after one for a few years and now it’s coming home. Can’t wait to get it on my wrist.

[@juanespinosa1259]

The story behind this timepiece is that Steve McQueen made the Le Mans movie along with the Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert. Jo was sponsored by Heuer at the time (before they were called TAG Heuer) and Steve liked the watch he wore. He asked him if he could get one comped to wear on the movie. Obviously, Jack Heuer agreed on the spot and that's how the legend was built. The one he wore on the Le Mans movie was auctioned recently for 2.2 million dollars. I love my Monaco calibre 11; it's like watching a piece of art instead of reading time what it's meant for.

[@dominickcolasanto6582]

You hit the nail on the head with this piece

[@bradknight2618]

It’s on McQueens wrist. Knowing what this man was about in real life. Nothing needs to be said, nothing needs to be explained. Rolex does not belong in this conversation. The word cool? Just put the picture beside it. Enough said.

[@MTbone7]

Not a fan of this watch, but big fan of your vids, congrats on 10k

[@robiulahmed]

Heisenberg wore this watch!

[@chipwong4530]

So did Paul Pluta...

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

@@robiulahmed Heisenberg,,, wore the Monaco Calibre 12 with the chronograph pushers on the right side not the Calibre 11

[@Thomas_Burnett]

Yet another great contribution to the KZbin watch community my friend. Great video. ✊ I really like the design of the Monaco. Especially the blue dialed one with the white sub dials that you showed in the video. The watch and dial have great symmetrical styling being such a chunk of metal that it is. The racing straps also suit them down to the ground. However, I say this purely aesthetically as I have never worn one so, cannot give an honest opinion of how it wears.

[@wayne3078]

I have the original in my collection and I love it. It’s a watch that always gets asked about when I have it on out and about. I want the Calibre 11 as well so I’m saving now for that

[@jmbaug1229]

Is not a surprise to me that many of the iconic design in history are from the 60s and 70s. Heuer Monaco is a masterpiece and fun piece that will always be attached to Porsche aficionados and people like me that DO NOT LIKE SUV WITH HUGE SCREENS AND ELECTRONIC GADGETS all over. The golden aga of racing cars is beautiful and the Heuer Monaco is in the epicentre of it. The dial and the colour scheme is absolutely incredible.

[@Mondi1911]

Great video as always. I am the proud owner of a first generation re-issue Heuer Monaco cs2110 and it is truly an awesome piece, even if rather polarizing.

[@srichards5512]

Nice watch, it launched the Monaco in the modern era.

[@Larry-gs8gb]

Steve Mcqueen is the definition of cool, so no matter what is was previously,it instantly became cool and desirable the moment it appeared on his wrist on film.

[@godzilla3171]

What about Miles Davis?

[@oldiesfreek]

Exactly what I told someone just earlier today: I realise one hard truth... It's not the watch that makes the man cool, but the man that makes the watch cool... 😅

[@varanid9]

@@godzilla3171 He wore one, too?

[@paulienkhamvaiphei134]

I really enjoy your reviews, particularly the way you present them in your own unique voice.

[@bonaventureduprat9416]

I love the videos! Could you do one on the Blancpain leman reveil GMT? My father has one and I find it to be one of the most stunning dials in person. Thank you

[@stephenhowarth173]

Stunning watch without a doubt bought 1 about 6 months ago.

[@JonathanMcCormack]

10:05 Was just randomly watching this video was was quite pleasantly surprised to see my watch.

[@jamesarthur6962]

Even those in the watch community of collecting who say they hate the brand Tag Heuer but like the original Heuer when asked if they like the Monaco they will have nothing but positive affirmation for this piece. Personally I have vintage Heuer as well as Tag Heuer in my collection, loving each piece I own. Another great review from the ID Guy, loving your work.

[@ttdat]

My favorite watch.

[@omax1023]

9:26 Epic! Positive and perfectly annotated!

[@0017Bulldog]

An excellent analysis my friend! Your choice of words in explaining it are perfect. BTW, I wonder what Steve really thought about this watch?

[@fredysiregar9180]

Not my cup of tea, but surely an iconic and beautiful watch in its own way. Never missed a single tiny spot on scanning all aspects of a piece, do you? Splendid job as always, man! Looking forward for the El Primero.

[@trevbarlow9719]

5:08 It is insights like this that sperate this channel from the others. I've been made to feel guilty for not desiring only "timeless" asthetics. Well, perhaps part of the fun of collecting are those pieces that refuse to become "timeless"... whatever that means.

[@dfunklegendfontdawg5023]

Excellent review. I felt your admiration through your descriptions.

[@joseinluzon2218]

I have the Calibre 17. Simple. Complex. Lovable.

[@nukie404]

The one in 10:15 looks like a driver's helmet; pretty cool. At first glance I thought it was hideous but the more I looked at it, the more "retro" sort of feel I got from it. And I couldn't exactly explain why but you've pretty much put everything I've felt into words in this video. Great one!

[@aromaticsnail]

That's the V4. It's based on a car's engine. It's driven by belts, not gears as you'd see on a normal movement. It's an amazing watch to be honest

[@FirestormAA]

Monaco have it own style,,,,, so much so whenever I saw a square timepiece, Monaco will cross my mind first.

[@jasue2000]

I think it can be both for sure, I lean harder towards ridiculous with chunks of cool... great video, thank you

[@scottsj4625]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I like how you make your own designs. I happen to agree with many of them. If Steve Mcqueen did not wear or advertise this watch, I think it would have not sold as well as it did. I wrote I think as I am not sure. No way to really know. It's not for me but I can see it would wear well with someone with a large wrist.

[@EddieHayes]

Very professional coverage and presentation of this watch and it's a very interesting history.

[@geoffpizzey]

Great looking iconic watch with a lot of cool factor about it

[@dzr6007]

To me this will forever be Heisenberg's watch

[@KingdomArmor]

I've had it in my mind to add a Nomos or Monaco to my small collection in 2020 but have yet to put one of these on my wrist. Need to do it.

[@1wongatonga]

Do it! I have a Monaco. However, it will need servicing every couple of years at £350.00 for a full service and polish up...

[@maxpeters2613]

Yeah, I don't believe that this watch could or would be made today. It took imagination and balls to put this together, and deliver it to the public back then. Today, with all the design protos coming from some computer animated scale up, it just would not fit into the acceptable norm.

[@thehairlesspersian3273]

Ngl, my calibre 11 gets a lot of love both from me and non watch enthusiast strangers alike, much more than any other I own. I honestly love how eccentric it is, but the square case is functional in terms of wrist anatomy, just like a Casio - it just weirdly works against the grain, which makes it that much more awesome imo.

[@sportster883able]

Stunning review

[@markstarmer3677]

Been toying with the caliber 11. The most authentic Monaco. Like you said at the start, the word tag doesn’t appear, only Heuer. It does seem a lot of money, about £5k. An OP is slightly cheaper. It is an icon, and so recognisable, and no doubt a great talking point as watches go. It’s all about convincing the wife I need another watch…

[@b_altmann]

It’s even £6100 as of 2022. The OP is a time only piece though

[@markstarmer3677]

@@b_altmann True, but £6100 for the Caliber 11, is really far to high. Regarding the OP, it obviously has a higher pedigree due to it being a Rolex, I’m sad to say. Out of the two, the heart says Heuer, the brain Rolex.

[@b_altmann]

@@markstarmer3677 from an investment perspective, perhaps. Of course, with the OP you get the Submariner movement (if you are able to get one). But the Heuer Monaco (re-edition) is more in demand now; in fact I’ve been able to observe this for other brands, such as Omega. As Rolex is not obtainable, people are looking elsewhere. As for the RRP: that’s inflation for you - plus Brexit, probably.

[@05Rudey]

My first real watch was a TAG (I say real, something that cost more than $20 that didn't have a digital display and a rubber strap), my Dad got me a Tag Heuer Professional 2000 at 19, that got me hooked on the brand. The Monaco to this day is still a lusted after watch.

[@bernsveden1]

Great video finally a tribute to an icon!

[@b_altmann]

Oh this is great design. Might seem a lot of things, but just take a look at Shinola’s attempt to design a square watch with a round face in 2022. Didn’t work out so well, and that’s with the Monaco as a template. Ow imagine doing the same thing without any template.

[@jimminychristmas8100]

That green Monaco is unbelievable, never seen that color scheme, tasty!

[@farragutspikes1]

Tag Gulf will be my next watch. I'm just so taken with it aesthetically. I daily drive a Bell and Ross 03-92 Diver right now, so maybe I'm just drawn to square watches.

[@bobbydazzler1780]

The latest blue and orange TH Monaco is an eye popper in a good way. Maybe nice to have such a radical watch in a larger rotation. Keeps things fresh. Bit chubby though. There’s always something.

[@douglasladowski6342]

It stands on it's own and whether like it or not the piece deserves respect

[@lemchejunior761]

I feel like I need this with my F1😂

[@tommycartwright]

IDGuy, you are brilliant! Thank you fo the efforts you have gone to in making this great video.

[@danielmartini3229]

isn't the caliber 11 just an extra chronograph module atop an ETA-movement? El Primero is made from scratch, no? anyway, is today's caliber 11 in any way similar to the original one?

[@donkeytime1704]

I own the Carrera CV201AK.FT6040 and I've always dreamed of owning the Monaco and the Rolex Submariner. Steve Mcqueen was to me the king of cool and yet he chose to wear this design and a design that's difficult to not think about without him wearing it. Also too, to consider that the Monaco is not faked or replicated like Rolex is. Not taking anything from Rolex because I love the Submariner design so much, but the Monaco is a design that stands by itself to say the least. This watch is so iconic in its own right.

[@ejames6431]

A "TAG Heuer" is a great watch! I love the Aquaracer! I have the 2020 Batman Blue face GMT in 43mm calibre 7. Way better than paying extra thousands for a Rolex Sub.

[@wukillah]

The black calibre 12 was my first luxury watch. It unfortunately get no wrist time any more…

[@davidroberts5322]

Utterly cool in my opinion... Not just the fact that Steve Mcqueen wore one... But just look at it... Instantly recognisable, a design icon, the thing is a work of art that can be worn.....

[@TheFPF422]

I love the 70’s design and this one is so desirable... sadly my wallet isn’t fat enough to afford one

[@rayquintanilla614]

My absolute grail!

[@nrs6956]

A classy presentation. Would like to see a Monaco. Thank you.

[@RD-wg2nt]

Have both the recent limited edition Gulf and Dark Lord. Iconic watches and instantly recognisable.

[@sammeo]

Speedmaster and Monaco are beautiful in different ways. Dream pieces.

[@bangy55]

I love the Rolex Daytona and not because I went to school in Daytona Beach. But, I have to agree, about the two locations, at least, that it can't compare to Monaco. I've never even been to Monaco and know that to be true. Spend one night in Daytona Beach and even if you come away without bed bugs, you will know too.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

I really like the Gulf version

[@IM-lf5qp]

Walter White

[@drmodestoesq]

And he left it in that phone both in the middle of nowhere. Curious. Maybe he was paring himself down to meet his destiny. He wasn't going to need it where he was going.

[@sailinbob11]

Not a Tag fan, but I own 1. I just rebuilt my Aquaracer quartz, for $450 , after it failed at 3ft,scraping the bottom of my sailboat. Looking at the seamaster 300m you recently purchased and,yes,it's gonna hurt. Lol...

[@rickmann1587]

Thank you for another excellent video and the history of the model. Cheers

[@salvadorcano4494]

I have the calibre 12.. cool watch. Going to get a perforated leather strap for it..

[@matadorputo]

I love my Monaco calibre 12 it's so lovely ❤❤👍

[@kevincrawfordphoto]

Nothing controversial about this iconic piece of art! #TooCool 😎

[@louiepb3439]

Great watch and great video. Cheers mate! 🍻

[@johnslade9358]

What an outstanding review

[@alessandrob6530]

Amazing piece

[@darood77]

One of a kind!!

[@papawoody9597]

I don't buy watches (or anything else come to think of it) based on whether someone else might or might not like it. They don't have to wear the watch I buy, and they aren't paying for it. I bought mine because I wanted the watch Steve McQueen wore in Le Mans. I like the Monaco enough to also have a black one, the CW2111, but I favor the CAW211 by far. As a dyed in the wool Porschephile, a lifelong fan of motorsport, and of McQueen, it's a prized possession.

[@philippemariani9035]

Great talk , really ...who can argue with that ?

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I thought Seiko had the first automatic chronograph ? As always great video 👍

[@tpcam78]

It’s up for debate. Zenith presented theirs first but Seiko started selling theirs to the public first.

[@VoiceofFox]

You don’t show the CS2111/CW2111, with the all-black, sculpted dial. The most elegant iteration of the Monaco, IMHO.

[@shipmate3577]

Thanks for posting

[@ArmandDPoitiers]

The irony is that Steve McQueen not like this watch at all per his own words.

[@thomasbrady4690]

Love wearing this watch when driving my car

[@jhonatesc]

its a classic

[@BetaBuxDelux]

Great watch but it doesn’t make my have to have list. However, if I came across one at a great price I’d pick it up.

[@elliotbradley]

*chuckle* @ 5:50 - "It is fair to say that this watch is legible."