Some watches speak to you and seduce you immediately. This was the case for me with this Monaco Dark Lord. A titanium watch, DLC coating, the watch is both robust and light. The dominant black of the dial mixing two textures, one brushed satin, the other grained macadam style bring out the other red and gold colors of the hands and indexes. A Monaco yes but different.

Monaco Dark Lord

This Zenith type 20 watch with its dial paying homage to old planes with aluminum fuselages with visible rivets is, for me, one of a kind. Despite this unusual dial, the time remains perfectly readable and the El Primero movement is extremely precise. The case back with the representation of Bletiot's plane that allowed him to cross the Channel adds a touch of emotion.

Zenith Pilot Chronograph Type 20

<p dir="ltr">The Swiss watch brand <strong>Tag Heuer</strong> is the result of the merger in <strong>1985</strong> between the company Heuer, founded in 1860, and the group TAG (Avant Garde Techniques). This union marked the beginning of a new era for the brand, characterized by a combination of technological innovations and a rich watchmaking heritage.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Background of the Merger in 1985</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In the 1970s, the Swiss watch industry went through a tumultuous period, known as the "quartz crisis". The mass introduction of cheap quartz watches, mainly from Asia, threatens the survival of traditional mechanical watch manufacturers. Heuer, despite its established reputation in the field of chronographs, did not escape this crisis and encountered financial difficulties.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 1985, the group TAG, specialized in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in aeronautics and Formula 1, acquires Heuer. This merger gives rise to Tag Heuer, combining Heuer's watchmaking heritage with TAG's technological expertise.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Renaissance and Modernization (1985-1999)</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Under new leadership, TAG Heuer is undertaking a strategy to revitalize the brand by building on its heritage while incorporating modern innovations. The brand is reintroducing flagship models such as the TAG Heuer Carrera and the TAG Heuer Monaco, adapting them to contemporary tastes while retaining their iconic design. These reissues are a success with watch enthusiasts.</p>
<p dir="ltr">TAG Heuer is also introducing new product lines, including the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer/2000_series"> TAG Heuer Series 2000</a>, a collection of waterproof sports watches, and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer/6000_series"> TAG Heuer Series 6000</a>, which combines elegance and performance. The brand strengthens its association with the world of sport, in particular Formula 1, by becoming the official timekeeper of several teams and events. These partnerships reinforce the dynamic and innovative image of TAG Heuer.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Acquisition par LVMH et Expansion (1999-2010)</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In 1999, the French luxury group LVMH (Mo&euml;t Hennessy Louis Vuitton) acquires TAG Heuer, thus integrating the brand into its prestigious portfolio. Under the aegis of LVMH, TAG Heuer invests in research and development to design its own movements. In 2004, the brand unveiled the <strong>Calibre 360</strong>, a mechanical chronograph capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, a world first.</p>
<p dir="ltr">TAG Heuer <strong>continues to innovate </strong>with models such as the TAG Heuer Monaco V4 in 2009, the first watch in the world equipped with a movement driven by belts, and the TAG Heuer Microtimer Flying 1000 in 2011, capable of measuring 1/1000th of a second.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The brand is expanding its global presence by opening flagship stores in key cities and strengthening its distribution network.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Diversification and Connected Watches (2010-2020)</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Faced with the emergence of connected watches, TAG Heuer decides to adapt to new technological trends.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 2015, the brand launched the TAG Heuer Connected, its first smartwatch, in collaboration with Google and Intel. This model combines the traditional design of TAG Heuer with the functionality of a modern smartwatch. TAG Heuer is expanding its historic strategy of partnerships, particularly with <strong>automotive brands such as Porsche</strong>, and offers limited editions celebrating iconic events or personalities.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Recent Commitments and Future Outlook (2020 - present)</h2>
<p dir="ltr">TAG Heuer continues to strengthen its position in the luxury watch market by focusing on innovation and respect for its heritage. The brand offers reissues of historic models, such as the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer/carrera_chronograph"> TAG Heuer Carrera</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer/monaco"> TAG Heuer Monaco</a>, incorporating modern technical improvements while retaining the original design. Many limited series will be released to the delight of collectors.</p>
<p dir="ltr">TAG Heuer is committed to green initiatives, including reducing its carbon footprint and using sustainable materials in its products and packaging. <strong>In 2024, LVMH, parent company of TAG Heuer, enters into a 10-year partnership with Formula 1, strengthening the brand's association with motorsport.</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">In conclusion, since its merger with TAG in 1985, TAG Heuer has navigated between tradition and innovation, consolidating its strong position in luxury watchmaking. By combining its rich heritage with technological advancements and strategic partnerships, the brand continues to appeal to watch enthusiasts around the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Check out th&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> or the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_brands_of_motor_sports_watches">Ranking of the best watch brands inspired by motorsports</a>, including TAG Heuer.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2024)</p>

First watch, watch that counts and easy to wear. Easily recognizable for a connoisseur and just a pretty watch for a neophyte. Shiny but not too much. Wearable in all simplicity and circumstances. Be careful of the buckle easily scratched when worn daily. The matte blue contributes to the discretion.

Simple and recognizable

A different watch, square, not always easy to wear due to its proportions... But what a joy to have the watch that best symbolizes, for me, the couple Watchmaking and Motorsports. I am more of a fan of F1 than watches and naturally I turned to this model when I was looking for a chronograph watch.

A few months after my purchase, people around me tried to explain to me that I should have taken the model with the winding crown at 9 o'clock rather than at 3 o'clock! More historical and legitimate according to them? Why not and after some research, indeed the history of the Monaco begins with this inverted version... But if we start to look at the whole history of this Monaco with Steve McQueen who would not have really had one... we have not finished asking ourselves questions. Personally, the crown of a watch is on the right like the steering wheel of a car is on the left and I like it like that.

No problem since I got it...

It's almost perfect for me... A little less thick and it would be perfection 👍

Between F1 Passion and Watchmaking Tradition

It was given to me in 2003 for my 20th birthday, and since then it has rarely left my wrist. At that time I was passionate about old films and I had discovered Steve McQueen, I even had the opportunity to do a photo shoot in a Mustang Fastback with my watch. Despite its weight and its size, it is still a watch that continues to make me dream. In 20 years it has undergone three revisions, a change of plexiglass due to breakage, several polishing of this same plexiglass and four changes of bracelet. It remains both discreet and recognizable by all enthusiasts.

Movie Watch

Well, here we are, 10 years after my Breitling SuperOcean, and now my 40th birthday is just around the corner.
During this decade, one watch particularly caught my attention.
It was in the spring, on the terrace of a restaurant, a few tables away from me, someone was wearing a magnificent square watch with a sunray dial that fascinated me. It was the famous Monaco.
So the day I went to the store to buy it, and even though the salesman offered me a new model with a matte dial and crown on the left, I chose the sunray dial that had made me dream a few years before.
It didn't take me long to realize how vulnerable it was to shock, and that's perhaps the only flaw I've found in it in the 9 years it's been part of my daily life.
It also made me rediscover the joy of wearing a "crocodile" strap, but without the drawbacks thanks to its folding clasp that reconciled me with this type of strap.
Its transparent case back is beautiful, although a little small.
Its square-shaped sapphire crystal above its sublime dial is invulnerable, unlike its case… the image of Steve McQueen is just the cherry on the cake.

The Second

A circle is a square, a square is a circle. No, it wasn't Arielle Dombasle who bewitched me, but my Tag Heuer Monaco! I fell under the spell of this watch thanks to its atypical design: a thick square case, a prominent sapphire crystal and a petrol blue dial that is recognizable among thousands. Its case is very angular, which makes it quite fragile: it easily takes impacts. Being quite recognizable (maybe ostentatious?), I only wear this watch on weekends or on vacation. So I really enjoy wearing it because I know that good times are to come! I also learned a lot about the history of watchmaking by studying the birth of the Tag Heuer Monaco, which is a marker of its time. It's a joy to have it in my collection!

A time that counts

For years, I was looking at this watch without really understanding the concept. One day, for no reason, my opinion changed...and this watch became an obsession. Unique because of its square shape, because of its winder on the left, this watch has become an obvious choice in my collection. Despite its shape, it fits very well on the wrist and is very comfortable.

TAG HEUER MONACO CALIBRE 11

My 2nd Tag Heur still in the auto passion line with its blue background and dashboard-style dials. Its very atypical square side makes it a watch that is as chic as it is original. It is the watch for big nights and distinguished outings, both in casual and business mode. I love it!!!

A watch as legendary as it is original

<p>Cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 2017 par le designer Nicolas Ducoudert, <strong>Beaubleu apporte une dimension nouvelle &agrave; l&rsquo;horlogerie</strong> en cr&eacute;ant des montres &agrave; la fois esth&eacute;tiques, &eacute;tonnantes et profond&eacute;ment symboliques. Les aiguilles rondes, signature de la Maison, sont le reflet d&rsquo;une singularit&eacute; et d&rsquo;une simplicit&eacute; sophistiqu&eacute;e. Chaque mod&egrave;le arbore un design d&eacute;licieusement contemporain, o&ugrave; chaque d&eacute;tail, chaque surface, interagissent avec la lumi&egrave;re.</p>
<p>Cassant les codes de l'horlogerie traditionnelle en apportant une vision nouvelle du temps, les montres Beaubleu sortent des sentiers battus en arborant des aiguilles rondes et &eacute;vid&eacute;es, inspir&eacute;es des travaux de Galil&eacute;e dans sa compr&eacute;hension du syst&egrave;me solaire. Ces aiguilles affichent de mani&egrave;re po&eacute;tique les heures, qui ne pointent pas un index ni une graduation, mais qui indiquent une position, un instant depuis le centre du cadran.</p>
<h2>Quels sont les principaux mod&egrave;les de la marque Beaubleu ?</h2>
<p>Beaubleu vient d&rsquo;annoncer le 5 juin 2024, le lancement d&rsquo;une nouvelle collection en s&eacute;rie limit&eacute;e nomm&eacute;e <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/seconde_francaise">Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise</a>. Une belle innovation esth&eacute;tique et po&eacute;tique comme en a le secret la marque., avec une aiguille volante des secondes et un calibre fran&ccedil;ais de France &Eacute;bauches. <strong>La Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise fait partie des nomin&eacute;s au Grand Prix d''Horlogerie de Gen&egrave;ve 2024</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>La collection <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/ecce">Beaubleu Ecce</a> reste la collection permanente de la marque lanc&eacute;e en octobre 2023. Malgr&eacute; sa jeune histoire, Beaubleu a d&eacute;j&agrave; commercialis&eacute; 3 collections en s&eacute;ries limit&eacute;es :</p>
<p><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/b01">Beaubleu B01</a><br><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/union">Beaubleu Union</a><br><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/vitruve_date">Beaubleu Vitruve Date</a> et <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/vitruve_gmt">Beaubleu Vitruve GMT</a></p>
<h2>Quel est le prix d'une montre Beaubleu ?</h2>
<p>Le prix des montres Beaubleu &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent <strong>entre 800 &euro; et 1,600 &euro;</strong> selon les r&eacute;f&eacute;rences. A titre d'exemple, une <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/ecce/vesperal">Beaubleu Ecce Vesperal</a> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; 890 &euro; sur le bracelet cuir et la nouvelle collection <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/seconde_francaise">Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise</a> est vendue &agrave; partir de 1,490 &euro; sur bracelet cuir &eacute;galement. <a href="bit.ly/4abJPrn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tous les prix Beaubleu sur le site de la marque</a>.</p>
<p>La marque Beaubleu est ind&eacute;pendante et vend plusieurs milliers de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir le mod&egrave;le Beaubleu qui vous correspond le mieux, les <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/seconde_francaise/20.24_gris_perle/review/66607be37f15bc103d620fe3">avis clients Dialicious sur Beaubleu</a> sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer les diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients de la marque.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Consultez le<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises"><span class="s2"> Classement des meilleures marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises</span></a> dont Beaubleu fait partie.</span></p>
<p>(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2024)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Created in 2017 by designer Nicolas Ducoudert, Beaubleu brings a new dimension to watchmaking by creating watches that are aesthetic, astonishing and deeply symbolic. The round hands, signature of the House, reflect singularity and sophisticated simplicity. Each model features a deliciously contemporary design, where every detail, every surface, interacts with light.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Breaking the codes of traditional watchmaking by providing a new vision of time, Beaubleu watches go off the beaten track by featuring round, hollowed-out hands, inspired by the work of Galileo in his understanding of the solar system. These hands poetically display the hours, which do not point to an index or a graduation, but which indicate a position, an instant from the center of the dial.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the main models of the Beaubleu brand?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Beaubleu has just announced on June 5, 2024, the launch of a new limited series collection called<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/seconde_francaise"> Beaubleu Seconde Francaise</a>. A beautiful aesthetic and poetic innovation as the brand has the secret, with a flying seconds hand and a French caliber from France &Eacute;bauches. The Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise is one of the nominees for the 2024 GPHG (Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Gen&egrave;ve).&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The collection<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/ecce"> Beaubleu Ecce</a> remains the permanent collection of the brand launched in October 2023. Despite its young history, Beaubleu has already marketed 3 collections in limited series:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/b01">Beaubleu B01<br></a><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/union">Beaubleu Union<br></a><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/vitruve_date">Beaubleu Vitruvius Date</a> And<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/vitruve_gmt"> Beaubleu Vitruve GMT</a></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Beaubleu watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The prices of Beaubleu watches change and differ depending on the model. <strong>Most cost between &euro; 800 and &euro; 1,600 according to the references</strong>. As an example, a<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/ecce/vesperal"> Beaubleu Ecce Vesperal</a> is offered at &euro; 890 on the leather strap and the new collection<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/seconde_francaise"> Beaubleu Seconde Francaise</a> is sold from &euro; 1,490 on a leather strap as well. All Beaubleu prices on the brand's website.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Beaubleu brand is independent and sells several thousand watches per year, all models combined. To choose the Beaubleu model that best suits you, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/seconde_francaise/20.24_gris_perle/review/66607be37f15bc103d620fe3">Dialicious owners' reviews on Beaubleu</a> are a valuable resource for evaluating the different models through the real experience of the brand's customers.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Check out the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands"><span class="s2"> Ranking of the best French watch brands</span></a>, including Beaubleu.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2024)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The <strong>TAG Heuer Monaco</strong> is an iconic watch that has marked the history of watchmaking with its bold design and technical innovations. Initially introduced in 1969 by Heuer, it underwent significant development after the takeover of the brand by the TAG group (Techniques d'Avant Garde) in 1985.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Context of the Acquisition by TAG</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In 1985,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/heuer">Heuer</a>, then in financial difficulties, was acquired by the TAG group, a company specializing in advanced technologies and owner of the McLaren Formula 1 team. This <strong>acquisition gives rise to Tag Heuer</strong>, a merger that aims to revitalize the brand by capitalizing on its heritage while incorporating modern innovations.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Renaissance of Monaco</h2>
<p dir="ltr">After the acquisition, production of the Monaco, which had been interrupted in the 1970s, was restarted. In 1997, TAG Heuer reintroduced the Monaco with the reference CS2110, a reissue faithful to the original model, but equipped with contemporary technologies. This reissue sparks renewed interest in the watch, notably thanks to <strong>its association with actor Steve McQueen</strong>, who wore it in the film "Le Mans" in 1971.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Technical and Aesthetic Developments</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Over the years, TAG Heuer has introduced several variations of the Monaco, incorporating innovative movements and materials. In 2004, the brand unveiled the TAG Heuer Monaco V4, a revolutionary watch equipped with a belt movement, illustrating TAG Heuer's commitment to watchmaking innovation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 2009, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Monaco, TAG Heuer launched a limited edition that paid homage to the original design, while incorporating modern improvements, particularly in terms of precision and durability.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Collaborations and Special Editions</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The Monaco was also the result of notable collaborations, notably with Gulf Oil, famous for its blue and orange colors. These special editions, like the TAG Heuer Monaco Gulf launched in 2007, celebrate the watch's automotive heritage and reinforce its link with the world of motor racing. Monaco's association with Steve McQueen solidified <strong>his status as a cultural icon</strong>. Images of the actor wearing the watch in &ldquo;Le Mans&rdquo; were widely used in TAG Heuer advertising campaigns, reinforcing the legendary aura of the Monaco.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 2024, one of the watches McQueen wore while filming was sold at auction for $1.4 million, testament to the historical and emotional value attached to this model.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Design and Features</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The TAG Heuer Monaco stands out for its square case, a bold feature that challenges traditional watchmaking conventions. Contemporary models are often equipped with the caliber Heuer 02, an automatic chronograph movement offering a power reserve of 80 hours. The dial generally features two counters, at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, and a date at 6 o'clock, while retaining the refined aesthetic that has made the Monaco famous.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Since the acquisition of Heuer by TAG in 1985, the Monaco has undergone a remarkable renaissance, combining respect for the original design and technical innovations. His unwavering link with the world of motor racing and his continued presence in popular culture make it a timeless watch, prized by collectors and watch enthusiasts. The TAG Heuer Monaco remains a symbol of audacity and innovation, perpetuating the pioneering spirit that presided over its creation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The TAG Heuer Monaco is one of the legendary chronographs in the same way as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/daytona">Rolex Daytona</a>, the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/omega/speedmaster_moonwatch">Omega Speedmaster</a> or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/navitimer">Breitling Navitimer</a> notably.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated January 2025)</p>

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