DESCRIPTION

This watch. My personal re-interpretation of the first Heuer Monaco re-issue from 1997. Having done various customization projects in the last two decades, this one was in the pipeline quite some years, in my thoughts at least. My first love for Heuer was ignited with a Heuer Monaco Caliber 15, reference 1533G. The asymmetrical dial layout from the Chronomatic Calibre 15 is up until today my absolute favorite. The first re-issue of the Heuer Monaco by TAG Heuer was revealed in 1997, it beared the famous “HEUER” logo on the dial instead of the TAG Heuer logo, so an early tribute to the iconic McQueen Monaco from 1969. This Monaco might well be the most important one, after the original 1133B ofcourse.

The dial. The dial layout arouses to be asymmetrical, but in fact it obviously isn’t. The simple fact that the chronograph minutes register and the perpetual seconds hand register are differently designed is the reason for this. The fact it looks a bit asymmetrical…grabbed my attention and appreciation from the first time I saw this Monaco. The dial is so pure and simple. Together with the fact of the watch its size, thickness and, quite importantly, that it’s equipped with a lovely “warm” plexi rather then a “cold” sapphire makes this watch stand out, at least for me. Agree, it’s not vintage…but it is special!

Customization. I completely stripped the watch, the case received a full restoration, lapping and polishing followed by blasting it to the right matte surface structure with retaining sharpness. Same was done with all individual parts like the crown, pushers, bezel, caseback, buckle, etc…. Case and all case parts are PVD coated. I preferred to go for an “old-fashioned” PVD coating rather then a more modern and advanced DLC coating. The watch will “live”…like I have the same philosophy/love for the plexi rather then the sapphire.

The Movement. The TAG Heuer signed ETA caliber 2894-2 has undergone a complete service, also the chronograph module. 

Minute, hour and chronograph hands are all replaced by original vintage NOS Heuer parts. Minute and hour hands still equipped with the original tritium lume, so perfectly matching the tritium lume dots on the dial, details do matter. Please note all works are done by myself with love, passion and pride. Only the PVD coating is done by a specialized company.

Accompanied with 2 special handmade straps and a travel pouch in premium leather. There is also be a booklet made with the “before”, “during” and “after” photos of this private customization project. This is what makes me smile. Please note this is a special and unique project of mine, executed on my own watch. Considering to do a very small commissioning project on clients watches. If you would have any further interest, please feel free to get in touch to see what is possible, and what not.