TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 Automatic Chronograph Watch Review (CAW211P) - Perth WAtch

[@gladaseeya1706]

I always loved this watch. This review really helped me understand why. The reviewer effortlessly describes the watch in so much detail and goes over things that I never previously considered, overall I learned so much about what makes a watch great.

[@PerthWAtch]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it informative. TAG cop a lot of flak for a lot of their product… but this one much more consistently gets genuine interest.

[@mrfuriouser]

Ivan, The Heuer was the first, technically and provably speaking. Zenith was the first to announce the coming of their Chrono in a print ad; however, it was not yet available for purchase. The upcoming Seiko was unknown to all at this time. The Heuer was the first to register with the U.S. Patent Office and the first available for sale on a larger-than-local scale. I think Zenith wins on smart marketing and timing, as their print announcement sure made Jach Heuer worried! All three companies should be commended for their great work on the chronograph. They have all added to the rich tapestry of horology. I do think, though, the reason Patents came into being was to, legally, prove who was "first". Heuer provably wins the Patent question. Thanks for the great video, I truly enjoyed it!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that, useful bit of trivia to know! In my reading the articles I found didn't mention the time the patent was registered, but that's a fair enough point!

[@arisgod2749]

man I love this watch. Getting it the minute I retire when it is in 8 months. It will be my 3rd Tag, but to me its the one to have.

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha thanks for that - maybe can put in a request to management for that golden handshake gift? :)

[@arisgod2749]

@@PerthWAtch My management can't even spell Tag. LOL. Nope, I am getting it myself and now they "reasonably" priced at around 4,500 dollars. For what it is IMO that is a bargain.

[@sashnaumoski7479]

Did you get your calibre 11 mate ?

[@amd5617]

I came across this post while researching the Monaco Calibre 11 with a view to purchasing. I must say it is the best review I've seen of this particular Monaco model. Many thanks for posting.

[@PerthWAtch]

Most welcome - thank you for the feedback, I’m glad it was helpful :)

[@CaptainWillard830]

Great review. I love mine. I wear it everyday. I’m a car guy and love the connection to Steven McQueen & the movie LeMans.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that, glad you enjoyed this :)

[@Jdinaz]

I wanted one.. I got one. As someone that views modern Tag Heuer as an entree brand into Swiss watchmaking, I have to say.. this watch is MAGNIFICENT. It is a triumph of design and originalism. I find most other modern TH as either gaudy or boring with little in between. Sadly, for me to find a TH product that I like and respect it required choosing a model from their back-catalog design from 50 years ago. This watch is so distinctive and literally brilliant as the dial, markers, facets and crystal play with the light so wonderfully. The closest competitor for light play and dial dynamism is the latest Omega Seamaster 300MP with its ceramic dial and high polish markers. And speaking of the dial.. the denim blue sometimes appears gray, sometimes black or navy and sometimes brilliant azure depending on the light and how it hits it. There is nothing else like it on the market. As I learned that the Caliber 11 is being phased out and replaced by the Heuer 02, I went on the hunt for this model and I’m so glad I found a pre-owned example of optimal condition and price. I could not be more thrilled. This will take its place in my collection next to classics from Omega and Tudor and will acquit itself well. Thanks for the great video. I’ve watched this several times and it helped me stay resolved until the end.

[@PerthWAtch]

Hey Jason, thank you for sharing that. I am glad you found this video helpful. I do love the design here and the more original rendering of the horizontal indices and more muted blue is some of the best things it has over the more modern rendition... no to mention the absence of "TAG" which seems to be highly desirable amongst most enthusiasts. Enjoy it in good health! :)

[@101Checks]

There's a lot of history behind this watch but my God... I don't care. This is such a BEAUTIFUL watch. Forget the history, I just want to stare at it.

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha fair enough... I do think it's one of the best of TH you can get, but all the same the history is interesting to me ;)

[@TheSweede12]

I would love a square watch and I think this is the best one out there. Great review

[@PerthWAtch]

That's for that - as an added incentive it look like you've got the correct first name for a Monaco wearer :)

[@bobbyeggplant]

Great watch and video. You should make a video on swapping out the leather band

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks 👍

[@led0073]

I am fortunate enough to own the new Gulf special edition of this watch, I purchased it because it just stood out to me, I can't seem to pull off wearing a Breitling too blingy for me, the Rolex is just not me, I'm from a working background. Not many people notice watches only people who are also interested in watches. But it does get the odd admiring look from time to time. The square design helps it stand out in a sea of round watches. I love mine.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that - I really like the Monaco design and borrowing this watch made me very tempted to go get my own one, more so than with any other watch I have borrowed so far :)

[@kkcwl]

Yes this is the one to go for, red heuer logo on the rotor, dial is the same as the original and a limited edition, no need to consider anymore if you are a fan of heuer monaco.

[@PerthWAtch]

Agreed, this is the model that has "Heuer" only on the logo whereas the other ones show TAG Heuer.

[@JohnnyParanoid]

I've not been a huge fan of square case watches but the Monaco speaks to me, for some reason. Maybe it's the Steve McQueen association. The original Cal. 11 movements have been called a real pain to service, but I would think that the "updated" version is better. I do prefer the "Heuer" only badging, without the "TAG" addition. It really gives you a sense of history. I think I might prefer an El Primero, however. 谢谢

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that Justin... yeah the El Primero certainly has the history too, along with that beauty of a movement... although I do prefer the styling of the Monaco personally.

[@brianhinder3652]

Thank God you didn't belabor the Steve McQueen connection, Ivan. Another of your very fine, well-researched presentations. If I won the lottery (fat chance since I don't enter) I would partner the Monaco with the Autavia, another Heuer reissue. IMHO the perfect pair ... square vs round, 2 sub-dials vs 3 and strap vs bracelet.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks Brian - wow, a Monaco and an Autavia, now that would be quite an awesome pairing to salivate over! :)

[@vonn158]

That’s precisely what I’ve done, took some time to finally afford them...

[@PerthWAtch]

I have watch envy...!

[@willywilz]

Stunning watch I treated myself too a month ago .. can’t stop looking at it 😂❤️😍

[@PerthWAtch]

It’s the best a TAG can get :)

[@mikec3454]

Such a beautiful and complex watch ... you just want to stare at it. You can't help it ... The use of red as an accent colour is perfectly executed here.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks - nice put and astutely noted :)

[@markdance574]

Best Tag Monaco of late - Bamford blue & carbon piece - ooooh that’s sweet and definitely a piece Steve McQueen would have worn I’m sure . The Calibre 11 needs to be officially released on a full metal bracelet then it would be super cool

[@PerthWAtch]

Interesting idea, however I think some watches are just so well suited to leather strap that it’s weird to see them on metal bracelet. Most Panerai fit this category, and I think the Monaco does as well.

[@markdance574]

@@PerthWAtch yea I do agree with you but at the same time I think sometimes just doing something different with a watch suddenly makes it take on a whole new look . I personally love the Monaco with its square case and on the new Bracelet it looks to me like it belongs on a bracelet.

[@spittinvenom9843]

A solid iconic time piece that is on my radar, perfect video

[@PerthWAtch]

Thank you for that - glad you enjoyed the video

[@spittinvenom9843]

@@PerthWAtch quick question, is the movement worth the price? Is it dependable? I think a lot of the price is reflected in the name and the stature of that design but my concern is the movement, is it worth that price?

[@PerthWAtch]

As you say, a lot of the price is in the brand and marketing… you could get the movement for a fraction of the price of the watch. You tell me if that’s “worth the price”?

[@spittinvenom9843]

@@PerthWAtch I’d have a $500 movement and no iconic watch around it 😂. I’ll pull the trigger one day.

[@A.T.148-Scot-HK]

​@@spittinvenom9843consider the movement a nod to history. The original Calibre 11 was also collaborated with Dubois-Depraz. Plus, you can't get the crown on the left with an integrated chronograph movement (well, you can, it's just going to be much more expensive).

[@mrbud8524]

This watch grew on me and love the iconic dail. Its a stunning looking watch with one biggest names out there in the watch world the ( Monaco) Going to add this Monaco with my Rolex Submariner and my panerai pam 005.

[@PerthWAtch]

Wow you have some classics there! Are you considering Omega Moonwatch also?

[@mrbud8524]

@@PerthWAtch Yes also looking at the OMEGA moonwatch 42m with the plastic Glass version. If l get the Moonwatch That be my collection complete :)

[@pw4007]

Getting one. For me, there is no other watch. Thanks for the great review.

[@PerthWAtch]

How come you don’t have one already?

[@Bobsbargainbasement]

I do like it but I think I would buy a Zenith El Primero!

[@PerthWAtch]

Fair enough... for not much more, and with that legendary 36000bph movement, I would salivate at that too! :)

[@latrevi2]

Great review and illustration! I’ve had this watch on my mind since 2005 when I graduated from HS. My father had it on layaway for me; and all of a sudden, decided to not purchase the watch for me, so I had to settle for a less expensive timepiece. I’m 33, turning 34 this month, and I gratefully have a Rolex datejust, sub, and a Cartier Roadster in my collection. But this watch is truly the missing piece I’ve had eyes on for over 15 years! My wife is finally going to make this happen for me. For 15 years, I have always been stuck on the Calibre 12 Croc. strap Monaco. I believe after collecting a few time pieces; and understanding the importance of value and history of a watch, it has lead me to consider more now to choose the Calibre 11 movement. Thank you once again for your video.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that - you have a very thoughtful wife :) And yeah I reckon given the history and all, I would go for caliber 11 myself. All the best, and I hope it works out for you!

[@jonathansmith283]

just watched a documentary on the making of the movie le man . in shots it appears that Steve McQueen was wearing his rolex submariner on the set. his mechanic , Haig altounian says McQueen gave him the Monaco at the finish of the filming. I am thinking of purchasing a Monaco. ~ JDS/CT.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that - very interesting history :)

[@samirbenchefra]

I love this watch! Thank you for the review !😊

[@PerthWAtch]

Glad you enjoyed the purchase reinforcement :)

[@Miklos667]

Very informative video, good stuff and beautiful piece... but I waited the entire video for you to actionate the chronograph pushers 😀. Cheers!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that! Yeah I guess I'm so used to pushing chronographs I actually forgot to do that. TBH its really nothing special and works just like the common Valjoux 7750 movements. Even feels much the same.

[@Miklos667]

@@PerthWAtch Thanks for that info! You're very polite. I just subscribed 😉

[@PerthWAtch]

Welcome on board - I appreciate the support :)

[@thomasont]

Nice Heuer Monaco watch review, Ivan. Though this iconic watch revival may in part be owed to Jean Claude Biver and especially Steve MacQueen, the watch is still attractive despite its design age due to its avantgarde design approach. Best regards.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that Tom, I would be inclined to agree with those sentiments! :)

[@thomasont]

Welcome Ivan, hahaha!

[@gregburville3368]

Great review Ivan, as always. I just had a look at the similar looking Tag Heuer Calibre 12, and aesthetically the Cailibre 11 is much much nicer.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks Greg - you know I initially found the cal 12 to my preference (didn't quite like the horizontal hour marks in this 11, preferred the radial markers for one) but after having this in hand I must say now this is the better choice. Subjective of course, but then there is the lack of TAG which can only be a good thing :)

[@nicholasmeal7446]

I agree .I have the calibre 12 but I'm definitely gonna buy the calibre 11 shortly

[@louiepb3439]

Love the watch especially the personal engraving 😎✌️

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that :)

[@vaggeliscarmen8157]

Beautiful watch, nice review. In my opinion it's not comparable to anything else. A true racing watch. Thats what it is!!!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that - it's a special piece for sure :)

[@GUMMETJE20045]

Bach’s WTC and Tag Heuer Monaco….just perfect…👍

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha thanks :)

[@PerthWAtch]

I read Wheel of Time too :)

[@jamessmith6402]

Winner beautiful watch 😁 thanks Ivan 👍

[@PerthWAtch]

Most welcome James... I enjoyed wearing it the time I had it :)

[@darood77]

I want one!

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha yeah I was really tempted to get my own too! :)

[@pleasesubscribe7159]

Same mate, same but I'm only 13

[@stevegeorge2201]

Bought mine today. Love it.

[@PerthWAtch]

Lucky you! :)

[@chuckcribbs3398]

I think I’d get the Gulf model. It’s iconic with Steve McQueen. But you can’t go wrong with a Monaco!

[@PerthWAtch]

Agreed!

[@johnozmen2147]

The movement of the original 1969 watch was not built in-house so I don’t think it matters that the new caliber 11 isn’t made in house. Great iconic watch and we are lucky it’s available for sale today at a relatively affordable price. Market price for the 1133B is $26,000 to $40,000 Aussie dollars depending on condition.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah that's a good point about the original movement. Out of all chronographs that might be considered "iconic", this is indeed the most affordable of all :)

[@Brian-ee1gx]

The only thing that prevents me from buying one is the chronograph module, which makes servicing a lot more expensive than with an integrated movement. And if the module gets discontinued servicing is going to be a headache.

[@ilyasymonenko3809]

Thank you for the review

[@PerthWAtch]

Most welcome bro :)

[@mrbud8524]

My next watch. Going to add this watch to my collection with my Rolex Submariner ceramic, panerai pam 005, Omega seamaster 300m 42.

[@PerthWAtch]

Awesome man, you have a very classic selection there :)

[@Gman520]

Great review!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thank you :)

[@MrAlcmj]

We know it was seiko, but all 3 watches are must haves in my collection.

[@PerthWAtch]

What was Seiko?

[@danielmartini3229]

what's with the round push button on the right side of the old/original watch? I've seen old models with the squared push buttons (like the new one). what's the story and history behind that?

[@PerthWAtch]

Well spotted! Indeed some old models did have round chronograph pushers, including the original 1969 model I believe. As to whether there's a specific story behind that, I'm not aware of anything special... so perhaps it's just a design variation, just like the rather different horizontal hour markers.

[@dex1007]

great Review!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks - I enjoyed doing this one :)

[@dougrogers835]

Excellent review. I'm torn between this version and the Gulf version. I'm thinking the Gulf Version might be a little gaudy, but I don't know what do what do you guys think. I'm leaning towards the original version. On the other hand the Gulf addition is striking. ition is striking

[@PerthWAtch]

I would definitely get this more original version

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

I second 👍 the original blue calibre 11 dial. I been between the Calibre 11 and a Zenith tipo cp2 43mm black dial myself. I just can't choose and yes the El primero is in house unlike the Monaco

[@nightraker]

Thanks for the review! Quite a contrast to Chinese Mushroom pieces! Pretty thing with some nostalgia tones even if priced with the usual "Euro Vapors". For odd case shapes I'm drawn towards the Hamilton Elvis triangle, kinda Deco. To actually own, I'm happy with a Straton Syncro, some perforated gloves and a stick shift car! Vrumm, vrummm! And Congrats on the 10k milestone!

[@PerthWAtch]

Wow what an interesting watch that one! Well I can easily get perforated gloves and I happen to drive a manual car everyday, so I guess I'm 2/3rd there :) And thanks again for the congrats and support!!

[@dylvasey]

There are only two square (ish) watches I truly love. This is one, the Cartier Tank is the other.

[@PerthWAtch]

Good choices both I reckon - variants of the JLC Reverso also come to mind for me :)

[@dylvasey]

@@PerthWAtch Ooooooo the JLC ..... hahah

[@pauljordan7465]

Hi I just ordered a caw211r, if you would like to review it, I am in Perth. Watch should be here within 3 weeks

[@PerthWAtch]

Cool. What made you choose that one over this more classic design?

[@pauljordan7465]

Perth WAtch crown on opposite side and the band is blue and 50th anniversary model too, calibre 11

[@PerthWAtch]

Fair enough man - thanks for sharing!

[@geovannyjimenezidarraga1524]

esta muy bonito

[@PerthWAtch]

Gracias :)

[@GUMMETJE20045]

Question: does te steel bracelet fits on this one.?

[@PerthWAtch]

Dunno - which steel bracelet do you mean?

[@GUMMETJE20045]

@@PerthWAtch well the steel bracelet from the monaco is it changeble to the steve mcqueen version?

[@PerthWAtch]

Dunno man, I don’t have either of those things…

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

@@GUMMETJE20045 I've seen the Calibre 11 with the same bracelet as the Calibre 12 or it looks almost the same. I don't know why their isn't a bracelet option but I have seen the 11 on a bracelet

[@GUMMETJE20045]

@@lonewolfemcquade8133 thanks for your reply👍👍

[@VanguardX]

Did you have it engraved with Chase the dream?

[@PerthWAtch]

No, that was engraved by the person who gifted it to the owner.

[@charliewallace7197]

@@PerthWAtch thats a relief to hear

[@dougrogers835]

Just curious why you tried it on your right wrist?

[@PerthWAtch]

I always wear right as I’m left handed

[@eleveneleven572]

The only TAG, should be Heuer, I would ever buy.

[@PerthWAtch]

A wise one, that decision is ;)

[@DarkSithJawa]

Calibre 11 or Calibre 12? (Which is better?)

[@PerthWAtch]

Same diff 😂

[@DarkSithJawa]

@@PerthWAtch Now I am even more confused. :p

[@minatormyth]

I have owned and own several tag heuer Carreras including a heuer Carrera over two decades. So a big fan of the make. However I dont get the love for the Monaco, I dont like the square shape, to me it looks odd.

[@PerthWAtch]

I think square watches can be a bit of an acquired taste and certainly not everyone will like them.

[@rubenpavon4079]

Un clasico😍

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks - very true :)

[@mikec3454]

The Autavia is nice but too big at 42mm and way too thick. The Monaco is a bit on the pricier side for what it is, but you can get a discount on Tag Heuer, let's be honest. You better not be paying retail for this!

[@PerthWAtch]

Yes, definitely don’t pay retail!

[@thehairlesspersian3273]

People either love or hate this watch, there seems to be no in between.

[@PerthWAtch]

I find it a bit meh

[@reconforsales7708]

Tag is much better than Rolex!

[@PerthWAtch]

Well they certainly can be rather polarising ;)

[@derekshearer9049]

Looks like a Disney robot. Zenith El Primero 1969 instead.

[@mrfuriouser]

That's pretty funny! Now I imagine it talking...

[@PerthWAtch]

Hmm, I think I can see where you're coming from... quite imaginative! :)

[@AnthonyV.FalconeEsq-b4e]

😂😂

[@menandroplan1554]

i just realised in the Breaking Bad scene - Walt presses the crown and not the chrono start button..yet the chrono starts. for all the intricacies and accuracy of the story telling, i cant believe they got that small and simple detail wrong

[@PerthWAtch]

Oh don’t get me started on that scene... it’s almost certainly not even Cranston’s hands there, as you will notice Walter White wears on the left wrist yet in the closeup it’s a *freakin left hand* that activates the watch! Why they didn’t sort out that detail is incredulous. In reality the chronograph didn’t activate when that moron pushed the crown... you will notice they had to add the sound effect, cut away, then cut back to a running watch. Unbelievable!

[@Richard.Hybels]

Dude you don’t pronounce the S in Lemans.

[@PerthWAtch]

Lemon?

[@Richard.Hybels]

@@PerthWAtch more like “lamaaa” but not like Llama

[@PerthWAtch]

That’s fascinating!

[@Richard.Hybels]

@@PerthWAtch To further drive it into the ground here it is from a a Frog….I mean s Frenchman. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHXLoJmBaaiBrbM And by the way I’m lusting after a Tag Monaco so thanks for the vid. You have a great accent.

[@charliewallace7197]

maybe im just uncultured but to me this is the watch jesse buys walt in breaking bad

[@PerthWAtch]

Yes, I spoke about that, even showed clips of Brian Cranston - did you not see?

[@charliewallace7197]

@@PerthWAtch ahh woops looks like ive been caught commenting before watching the whole video...

[@antonytapiero1168]

Calibre 12

[@TyroneBeiron]

Ironically, McQueen pushed the Omega aside from the Props Mgr because he did not want his name to be associated with any product. The choice of this avant garde watch versus the better known racing chronometer Autavia wasn't his either. Reviewers don't do justice by talking about the value of these timepieces but go on forever narrating descriptions... 🤷🏻‍♂️ point out the 'value points', eg Swiss Made vs the old Swiss, and why...

[@PerthWAtch]

Perhaps you don't like hearing the descriptions, but many people are looking precise for these details. Not sure what you are referring to there by "old Swiss", and exactly what "value points" you mean...

[@94jmbottaro]

i hate square watches, but this one is sexy for some reason

[@PerthWAtch]

It's probably the most desirable square watch of all... :)

[@thethirdman225]

Ugliest watch ever made and I have no idea what they were thinking. The Heuer Autavia chronos were far nicer and have at least as much connection with motorsport. Those were actually beautiful. I guess you either love it or you hate it and I fall into the latter category. For all that is known for its association with Steve McQueen, he was better known for his Hanhart chronograph.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for the thoughts. Very much subjective indeed - I honestly do like it and wouldn’t mind owning one perhaps some day!

[@themook9983]

Steve Wilkos of the awful 'Steve Wilkos Show' wears one of those.

[@PerthWAtch]

Cool! I wasn't aware of that :)

[@leonardotrelles8358]

Interesting model, with a lot of history behind. But, come on!!! 5K for a seleta movement??? In fact, I think you are paying 1,5K for the watch and 3,5K for the history and name of the brand.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yep I think that ratio is probably quite close to the truth. However I would add that you can find much more expensive pieces, even double this price with ETA movements. And I could say the same for a $10k Rolex Sub... it's probably $2k watch and $8k for name and marketing.

[@urieelSEptim]

they also have an in-house chronograph movement which sells for the same price, the calibre 1887. and a new version, but i forgot the name, heuer 02 or similar

[@PerthWAtch]

The 1887 is highly controversial as Tag Heuer came out saying it was developed 100% in house but later it was revealed that they in fact bough the design for the Seiko 6S37 movement and applied some (mostly superficial) modifications. The Heuer 01 and 02 movements as far as we are aware are true in house chronograph movements.

[@urieelSEptim]

@@PerthWAtch thats true, but the 1887 is completely manufactured and decorated by tag heuer, what you could count as in-house. This doesnt apply to the other calibers on an eta-base as far as i know.

[@PerthWAtch]

Oh yes, an ETA or Sellita base would definitely not be considered in house. Part of the controversy about the Seiko based 1887 is that if you apply the "Swiss-Made" precepts, the design/conception/testing needs to be done in Switzerland which in this case is questionable. Anyway, TH will call it in-house, and watch enthusiasts will continue to be educated about the nature of it. A big controversy about in-house movements is that logically these *should* lead to lower costs, but ironically because it's viewed as a "prestigious" thing, the prices paradoxically get pushed up.

[@alansmith8837]

Sorry everyone. Ignore mr cool and then to me it justs looks clumsy. Alsheff

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that... no one's ever called me Mr Cool before ;P

[@alansmith8837]

@@PerthWAtch you and mr mqueen. Take care ivan.

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha thank you, very kind! :)