Historic collaboration: TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf special edition

Model: Monaco Chronograph x Gulf Limited edition of 971 pieces CAW218G.EB0393

TAG Heuer has brought the pioneering spirit and passion of Swiss watchmaking back to motorsport. Several watch brands are highly regarded in motorsport, but none can compete with TAG Heuer. The brand was founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer and has been synonymous with technological innovation and groundbreaking design ever since. When the Monaco collection was launched in 1969, it immediately caused a stir: the square case, the crown on the left side, and the automatic chronograph mechanism all pushed the boundaries of the era. Thanks to the Calibre 11, the Monaco became not only an exceptional watch, but also an icon that conquered the world of motorsport and film legends.

The history of the Monaco series is inseparable from the name of Steve McQueen, who chose this model himself for his character, Michael Delaney, during the filming of Le Mans. With the release of the film, the Monaco watch, the Gulf-striped racing suit, and the Porsche 917K became forever etched in the history of motorsport and cinema. The Monaco collections have remained symbols of rebellion, speed, and style ever since, without straying from the original concept.

Gulf's iconic colors, striped light blue and orange, became defining visual elements of endurance racing in the 1960s and 1970s. McQueen's race car, jumpsuit, and wristwatch all bore the Gulf and Heuer logos, further strengthening the connection between the two brands. This shared heritage is brought to life in the Monaco Chronograph x Gulf limited edition, which evokes the past while captivating the present.

The brand chose Patrick Dempsey to present and represent this new model to the world. Patrick Dempsey, who is both a Hollywood actor and a renowned racing driver, has been one of TAG Heuer's most famous ambassadors since 2014. Dempsey has proven himself not only on the silver screen, but also on the racetrack: he has competed several times and finished on the podium in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race, which is challenging even for the best professional drivers. His passion for racing, style and excellence fits perfectly with the TAG Heuer philosophy and authentically represents the brand's values on the track and in everyday life.

The new Monaco Chronograph X Gulf draws on its predecessors in every detail. The Calibre 11 movement, the crown on the left, the grainy silver dial and the vertical Gulf stripes all evoke the classic layout. The discreet appearance of the vintage Heuer logo further reinforces the model's authentic feel. The 39 mm sandblasted or grade 2 titanium case with a matte finish evokes the world of racetrack workshops. The white Nomex® textile strap, manufactured by Hinchman, the same company that made McQueen's jumpsuit in the film, makes this watch a true motorsport relic. The watch also comes with a blue leather strap, should the owner prefer it.

There are two subdials on the square dial that serve the chronograph functions. They are arranged as follows: the minute counter is located at 9 o'clock, while the seconds hand is at 3 o'clock. A date window can be seen at 6 o'clock. Of course, the hands and indices are coated with Super-LumiNova, making them phosphorescent at night. The watch also incorporates modern features that are common to TAG Heuer's current models. One of these features is the transparent sapphire crystal case back, which allows us to see the inner workings of the watch. The manufacturer guarantees the watch's water resistance to 100 meters.

The limited edition of 971 pieces commemorates the year the Le Mans film was released, further strengthening the historical connection. This year's new chapter in the Monaco Grand Prix, where the race now bears the TAG Heuer name, provided the perfect opportunity to unveil the model. The new Monaco Chronograph X Gulf pays tribute to the noble past of the partners involved in the collaboration and shows how tradition can be translated into a contemporary form.

Check out our other TAG Heuer Monaco watches!