While they might not be quite so prolific as brands like Seiko and Tissot, Tag Heuer produce a lot of watches and always have a steady release schedule throughout the year. So, at this point, I’m sure we’ve all seen a lot of Carreras and a lot of Monacos. What’s surprising is the fact that Tag Heuer continue to find new styles and creative outlets within these designs. Case in point, the new Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Pink Skeleton, which I have here for review.
Taking it out of the box, I’m immediately struck by the vivid use of colour which is unlike any Monaco I’ve seen before, except perhaps for the Skeleton Limited edition in DLC and turquoise. The 39mm titanium case has a black DLC coating, which is matched by the black, skeletonised bridges of the chronograph display. Then, like a burst of neon light the hour markers, chronograph seconds hand and chronograph subdials are hot pink. It’s bright, bold and bombastic, which is entirely the point because it’s inspired by the vibrant lights of the Las Vegas Strip.
Tag Heuer have used bright colours before so that in itself isn’t that surprising, just look at the Skipper. But here, the mood of the Monaco Chronograph Pink Skeleton feels different. This isn’t a trackside sportster, a high tech F1 tool or even a cross-country grand tourer of a watch. No, this is a piece of Hot Wheels, Need for Speed, Fast & Furious, Burn Out insanity. And I kind of love it. An illegal street race under the bright lights of Las Vegas where you stop for a quick hand of poker with Vin Diesel, Brad Pitt and John Belushi at the Bellagio between laps.
On the wrist, it can’t fail to put a swagger in your step. The lightweight titanium is incredibly comfortable to wear and measuring just 39mm in diameter, it’s not overbearing either. It’s eye catching without being ostentatious because the darker, black portions of piece help keep it in check. Plus, the embossed leather strap with rubber backing is also comfortable and does a good job of preventing it from slipping.
Focussing in on the dial further, the Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Pink Skeleton has the signature skeletonised display that Tag Heuer have used across a few Monacos now. It reveals the inner workings of the calibre Heuer 02 beneath as well as exposing the date function at 6 o’clock beneath the small seconds counter. Admittedly that small seconds hand is so small that it can be quite difficult to see but hey, we’re here for the vibes more than anything else.
The calibre Heuer 02 is also a great movement with automatic winding, an 80-hour power reserve and a nice level of finishing thanks to the Geneva Stripes visible though the exhibition caseback. It also has a really nice action on the square pushers for controlling the column wheel chronograph, which is a large part of the point of a column wheel mechanism in the first place because it activates smoothly without the risk of any jarring resistance.
That all brings us to the price: the Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Pink Skeleton is £9,850. That’s exactly the same as their previous DLC coated titanium Monaco Skeletons so at least it’s consistent, even if it is admittedly quite a high price. Still, when you pair it with the sweet underglow of a night-time street racer, this is a watch that hits the spot.
Price and Specs:
Model:
Tag
Heuer Monaco Chronograph Pink Skeleton
Ref:
CBL218B.FT6236
Case:
39mm
diameter x 15.2mm thickness, titanium with black DLC coating
Dial:
Black
sandblasted with pink subdials
Water resistance:
100m
(10 bar)
Movement:
Tag
Heuer calibre TH20-00, automatic, 33 jewels
Frequency:
28,800
vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve:
80h
Functions:
Hours,
minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
Strap:
Embossed
black calfskin leather with additional rubber strap
Price:
£9,850
More details at Tag Heuer.
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