A modern reinterpretation of a timeless classic
The new TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is a special edition with a 42-mm case, made of ultra-lightweight and resistant carbon.
Its striking black dial features a two-register layout with a translucent fumé blue sapphire crystal chronograph counter at 3 and the permanent second at 6 o’clock. The unique skeletonized dial reveals the movement underneath and echoes the piece’s mechanical roots. At 9 o’clock, the date window is in blue luminescent, a first for TAG Heuer, and the blue lacquered indexes and black and white lacquered hours and minutes hands are applied with Super-LumiNova® for optimal legibility in low light.
Delivering high precision and high performance timekeeping the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is powered by the in-house Calibre Heuer 02 Flyback, a chronograph movement with COSC certification. The notable advantage of a flyback function is the ability to reset the chronograph without stopping it, using the black DLC steel pushbuttons. Such a feature was only available on the TAG Heuer Autavia in the contemporary collection until now and allows for even faster and more accurate timekeeping.
A racing chronograph in action
The watch offers three functions that are essential to a racing driver in action: a chronograph, a tachymeter scale which indicates average speed for a 1-kilometer or 1-mile distance, measured using the indicator on the black flange, as well as a pulsometer, which helps determine one’s heartrate per minute. This function is used based on the blue line in the top right quadrant of the dial which is calibrated to 15 heartbeats per minute. The user launches the chronograph and counts 15 heartbeats, obtaining his personal read when stopping the chronograph. The pulsometer offers a range of 60 to 200 beats per minute.
Red details, on the dial such as the sub-counter hands and the framing of the date window evoke exhilarating speed and racing hearts. They contrast elegantly against the black dial and case and the bright blue indexes, seconds hand and stitching on the custom textile strap
An iconic name and lineage
In 1976 the original Heuer Monza was introduced to celebrate Niki Lauda’s historic 1975 victory in the F1 World Championship. Often referred to by the champion as the “unbelievable year”, the particularly nail-biting season saw him take home his first world title, with five wins for the Scuderia Ferrari of which Heuer was the technical timing partner since 1971. His Swiss teammate Clay Regazonni won the Italian Grand Prix that year, the penultimate race of the season and the team’s home track, with Lauda finishing third and securing his championship title.
After difficult years for the team, which had not been victorious since 1964, the 1975 win was incredibly meaningful and Jack Heuer marked the achievement with a watch no less remarkable, the Heuer Monza.
Interestingly the model was originally meant to be called the Modena after the home town of Ferrari but the strength of the name of Italy’s premier racing circuit was soon realised. The choice of the name was indicative of the brand’s deep love for motorsport, paying homage to the fastest F1 track in the world, an iconic location whose high speed turns such as the legendary Parabolica in the shadows of the original banked track, have stood the test of time, remaining a career defining race for even the most experienced drivers for more than 100 years now
The Heuer Monza authentically expressed this fierceness, it was one of the first black-coated watches of the era; the first reference 150.501 was powered by the Calibre 15 with its signature running second at 10 o’clock, and it was later complimented with a version powered by the Calibre 12 thanks to its resounding success.
The history of the TAG Heuer Monza is one of select designs, which was modernly revived in the early 2000’s and reintroduced occasionally since then. The 2023 edition is therefore an exciting launch that will delight collectors and fans of the rarely seen yet highly sought-after design.
Today TAG Heuer continues its longstanding support of Formula 1 with the Oracle Red Bull Racing team, its partner since 2016. And fittingly, Team Principle Christian Horner has a deep personal connection to the TAG Heuer Monza, it was the watch he bought for himself to celebrate his first racing successes. Bursting with motorsport heritage and symbolism, the TAG Heuer Monza continues to be a racing machine on the wrist for generations to come.
“The TAG Heuer Monza is a very personal and treasured timepiece in my collection. It is a watch that is very close to my heart. The original was the first TAG Heuer I owned. When Ardern won the Monaco support race, the prize money was awarded in cash and so I purchased the TAG Heuer Monza from the Nice airport boutique to commemorate the occasion. I am excited that TAG Heuer decided to bring back this spectacular piece. This watch will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of motor racing enthusiasts who will keep pushing back the limits of our thrilling sport” says Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing team Principal.
A timepiece that expresses true boldness, confidence, and the love of speed, for the pro or amateur driver who is not afraid of taking risks, the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer is a collector’s piece that expertly ties in decades of noble racing heritage with daring contemporary design and cutting-edge engineering. Available from January 2023, the chronograph is presented in a special packaging and will be sold exclusively in TAG Heuer boutiques, on the brand’s e-commerce websites and in selected retail stores
