One & Done: Chapter Eleven - TAG Heuer (#defsoneanddone)

Foreword

Welcome and welcome back! If you're new here, I'm exploring the 20 best-selling watch brands of 2022 (as seen on GQ Australia) and answering the question: If I could only have one watch from this brand FOREVER, which would I pick?

Today we are looking at TAG Heuer, but if you want to see my previous article where I covered Breitling, follow #defsoneanddone or click the link here!

#10: TAG Heuer – Monaco

TAG Heuer has always been at the forefront of innovative watchmaking, almost as much as they have been at the forefront of divisive opinions concerning the brand. On one hand, there are many supporters of the brand, having purchased their own TAG Heuer watches and consistently singing their praises about them. On the other hand, you have videos like this one from The Time Teller:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuRHs_lRAT4

A bit (very) harsh, but it’s a kick in the butt that TAG Heuer desperately needs.

In my opinion, both views are correct, to a point. TAG Heuer often gets in the way of their own success and can sometimes fall short of what the watch community expects of them both in design and craftsmanship. This is further exacerbated by the fact that Heuer, the original brand, is one of the older watch brands. However, when they decide to put even the minimum effort into the creation of a new product, design, or technology, I find that historically they have never and will never cease to amaze.

Unless we’re talking about the eighties and nineties. TAG was on something when they designed some of this stuff – this one looks like a coffin!

Case in point: TAG Heuer's Monaco, the brainchild of the company formerly known as Heuer. Initially released in 1969, this distinctive timepiece exemplifies what they do best – which is, of course, achieving a plethora of horological firsts, such as being the first true square watch and the first automatic chronograph.

The modern-day iteration, inspired by the iconic Heuer Monacos of old, consists of a square 39mm case diameter, a 47.7mm length, and a staggering 15.1mm in height. Keep in mind, however, that this height is achieved by the bevelled sapphire crystal that sits atop the dial of the timepiece, and that it wears surprisingly well for a square watch that looks like an absolute chunk-monster.

It's crazy that this timepiece was made nearly sixty years ago, yet it still looks like it came from outer space. I hope I get to own one someday!

Specs-wise, this timepiece is also powered by TAG Heuer’s manufacture calibre Heuer 02. Gone are the days of Seiko Heuer 01, instead having been replaced by an in-house movement which (at the time of writing) remains the most potent chronograph in the world with a scarcely believable 80 hours of power reserve.

If you’re looking for a comparison, the Omega Speedmaster only has 50 hours, and the Rolex Daytona only has 72. Yeah, they have better accuracy, but who cares? Tank beats everything.

And of course, the Monaco is as striking and as rebellious as some of the icons that have worn one throughout the years, both in the world of motorsports and the silver screen. Most people will gravitate towards the likes of Steve McQueen and his Monaco’s iconic presence in the movie Le Mans. Still, this horological heretic has adorned the wrists of some of the most badass people from film and TV.

From Stanley Kubrick to Walter White, The Monaco will always remain a symbol of bold design and fearless innovation in a world of sameness. After all, it’s hip to be square.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bo-OLCXu6g

I adore the TAG Heuer Monaco - I hope that showed in my writing! Next, a brand I'm not all too familar with but love anyway - IWC!