Inspired by Formula 1, the first Monaco collection was launched in 1969 and over the years the collection became the brand’s most prevailing driver’s watch. The latest release - Monaco Chronograph Night Driver Limited Edition (Ref. CBL2181.FC6515) - reflects cues from the first Monaco chronograph, worn by Steve McQueen in the movie Le Mans, a ‘Midnight Blue’. Today, the brand assigns the deep blue glow of the night sky to the timepiece via using contemporary materials. Also, the opaline grey dial of the latest creation pays an ode to the vintage Monaco chronographs which features ‘charcoal grey’ dials. 

The 39mm new ‘Night Driver’ comes in a black DLC grade 5 titanium polished and fine-brushed case with a fixed titanium bezel and the pushers and crown with the same coating. It comes with a "circle in the square" two-piece dial construction incorporated with 30-minute and 12 hours chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, an open ¼ seconds chronograph counter just above the date window at 6 o’clock, and black-lacquered extending hour markers; the fully luminous dial, of the timepiece glows bright blue - the hands, the chronograph counters, and the dots are coated with Super-LumiNova®. The bright blue glow of the helps makes the dial legible for the night drivers. 

Making the dial fully luminescent is a true technical achievement for the brand as the timepiece can spread its night glow to a broader surface area, and can retain the glow for 3 hours if charged fully. 

Powering the Monaco Chronograph Night Driver Limited Edition is an in-house movement Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic, beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph and offering about 80 hours of power reserve. The black perforated calfskin leather strap with black DLC grade 5 titanium folding clasp flanks the case. The timepiece is water resistant up to 100 metres. This watch is a limited edition of 600 pieces only. 

Images: Courtesy TAG Heuer