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TAG Heuer Shocks With Unexpected Black Carbon Monza Chronometer
By Lee Smith - News Published:
TAG Heuer has treated its fans to some very colourful and vibrant models over the last year. Who can forget its playful collaboration with Nintendo that resulted in a quirky chronograph featuring characters from the Mario Kart game? And what about the deep red dial of the Carrera limited edition? Sticking with that bold theme, the Swiss watchmaker has dropped a new beauty and rather than being another iteration of a popular watch, TAG Heuer has opted to revive a lesser-known model. Released for LVMH Watch Week 2023, the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is an avant-garde piece that pairs a skeletonised dial with a bold colour palette.
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TAG Heuer Monza CR5090.FN6001 | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer collectors usually gravitate towards the established collections of the Carrera, Autavia and Monaco models. They’re well-known designs that mine the brand’s rich motor-racing heritage. The Monza? Not so much. Despite a history stretching back 47 years, it’s a model that has only been produced sporadically and that’s a shame. The original black-cased chronograph was created to celebrate Niki Lauda and Ferrari winning the 1975 Formula One Constructors Championship and was ripe for a revival.
The stunning new Monza features an unusual 42mm cushion-shaped carbon case. The size gives the watch a formidable wrist presence, while the use of lightweight materials keeps the weight down. Unlike the fully black case of the ’70s Monza, this new model is decorated with smoke-like patterns. As we said, it’s not your usual TAG Heuer chronograph.
TAG Heuer Monza CR5090.FN6001 | Image: TAG Heuer
Of course, the eye-catching dial is what initially draws your attention. This skeleton dial gives the watch a very modern aesthetic and contrasts sharply with the vintage vibe of the more popular Carrera. Above the cut-away dial are red and blue accents and sub-dials fashioned from translucent blue sapphire crystal. Continuing the unfamiliar design touches is a date window repositioned to 9 o’clock. Again, something we don’t usually see on a TAG Heuer watch.
The dial isn’t only skeletonised to offer a contemporary styling. It’s also there – like the exhibition back – to showcase the fabulous in-house calibre Heuer 02 flyback chronograph movement. It’s a very impressive work of engineering and along with being self-winding, boasts an 80hr power reserve.
The Monza is a great model for TAG to revive. This new version, with its carbon case and colourful dial, offers something very different to TAG’s current lineup. It’s priced towards the higher end of the TAG range, with the COSC-certified flyback chronograph movement accounting for that. It’s a bold and vivid piece that successfully blends modern watchmaking design with TAG’s proud motorsports history.
TAG Heuer Monza CR5090.FN6001 | Image: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Monza CR5090.FN6001
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 15.3mm
Case: Carbon Fibre
Movement: Caliber Heuer 02 COSC Flyback
Bracelet: Black Textile
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 100M
Price: USD $13,850
TAG Heuer Monza CR5090.FN6001 | Image: TAG Heuer
