TAG Heuer’s Monaco needs little introduction, neither in the world of mechanical watches nor in the realms of motor racing. Introduced in 1969 as one of the first self-winding chronographs and housed in a square case which was water-resistant, it soon rose to fame, also thanks to Steve McQueen who wore it in the movie Le Mans, and, as legend has it, also in private. Since its debut there have been many intriguing executions, varying the hallmark features of this legend, such as the colors of the dial and sub dial, most notably with Gulf’s signature powder blue and bright orange hues. Like TAG Heuer, this oil company sponsored some F1 teams in the seventies. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary in 2019 five commemorative and limited Monaco timepieces, of which each was dedicated to a decade, were introduced.

That year also saw the introduction of the most important technical update, with the introduction of the Monaco Calibre Heuer 02 driven by the eponymous manufacture caliber TAG Heuer had introduced two years earlier. This automatic chronograph which amasses a power reserve of 80 hours features a column-wheel control and a vertical clutch. The new inner workings also meant that the Monaco had the crown on the right side for the first time in its history and that the subsidiary seconds indication was positioned at 6 o’clock. Naturally, the latest line-up also comes with this state-of-the art movement.

On the occasion of the 80th birthday of the Monaco Grand Prix, TAG Heuer surprises with three skeleton-style Monaco models in 39-mm titanium cases that honor the racing heritage and spotlight the intricate mechanics inside by opening the “hood.” The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph comes with three different dial shades, “Original Blue”, “Racing Red”, and “Turquoise”, all with an unobstructed view into the technical prowess of their “motor” and a new rubber-leather strap combination.

The “Original Blue” draws inspiration from the first-ever TAG Heuer Monaco blue dial. The blue and red hues are featured on the dial, the blue on the column wheel and the oscillating mass engravings – an overall design paying homage to the pioneering Monaco of 1969. The “Racing Red” is a nod to the racing DNA, with the color red often referencing the racing sparks made on the tracks. The black and silver colour touches are especially noticeable on the dial, along with the red column wheel and red engravings being visible on the oscillating mass, which highlights the racing-inspired feel. Red also comes into play on the “Turquoise” piece, which recalls Monaco’s beautiful coastline. This fresh hue is featured on the column wheel and the engravings of the oscillating mass. 

While the dials are certainly a beautiful sight during the day, they are a feast for the eyes in the dark thanks to the Super-LumiNova treatment on the carved indexes, hands, and date window.

Pricing is marked at $10,750 for the “Original Blue” and “Racing Red” executions, while the “Turquoise” variant, which comes in black coated titanium has a price tag of $11,250.

To learn more, visit TAG Heuer, here.

In the black and plasma gray versions, the anthracite coating of the minute wheel bridge and main plate complements the nickel color of the bottom dial plate and its Côtes de Genève decoration. The white version comes with a gold-colored center wheel bridge: 

The Swatch Group-manufactured R808 is fitted with an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring for enhanced resistance to shock, temperature fluctuations, and magnetic fields, and features an 80-hour power reserve. 

The Rado True Square Skeleton measures 38mm x 44.2mm wide and has a height of 9.7mm. Pricing is marked at approximately $3,100 when converted to USD.

To learn more, visit Rado, here.

Hublot opts for a zirconium-based ceramic case and bezel, resulting in a robust and almost entirely scratch-resistant exterior. The grey case and bezel are alternatively microblasted and polished to give the watch a rugged, yet refined, appearance. Measuring 44mm in diameter, the warm-toned case also offers 100 meters of water resistance. 

The dial features a skeletonized design made from the same grey tone as the surrounding bezel and case. The indices stand out atop of the dial and are colored in a gradient of yellow, orange, red, purple, and all of the shades in between. At 9 o’clock is a sub-dial with a bold orange rhinoceros applique, emblematic of the partnership as well as the sunset colors on the remainder of the dial. The seconds hand ticks with the Hublot “H” logo at its end, just underneath a sapphire crystal which encloses the entire dial and is printed with the Hublot logo as well. 

Ticking inside the watch is the HUB1280 UNICO caliber, a self-winding chronograph flyback movement featuring a column wheel. Thanks to a host of technical optimizations via manufacture, the mechanism offers a flatter automatic winding system than its predecessors, resulting in a thinner and cleaner look. The manufacture caliber also offers a power reserve of 72 hours and is visible via exhibition caseback, which is engraved with the SORAI logo. 

Pricing for the Hublot Big Bang Unico SORAI is marked at $24,100 and production is limited to 100 pieces. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each watch will go to SORAI. Each watch is presented on a grey fabric strap with an additional black rubber strap with black, orange, and purple camouflage also included. 

To learn more, visit Hublot here.

The True Square Open heart features a square case with rounded corners and softened edges, giving it a delicate and intimate appearance. Measuring 38mm wide, 44.2mm long, and sitting at 9.7mm high on the wrist, it is a versatile and comfortable-wearing watch for a variety of wrist sizes. Rado is offering the timepiece in two colorways, with each sporting a high-tech ceramic case with monobloc construction in its respective color. On the reverse is a sandblasted titanium case back with either white or black PVD coating and sapphire crystal. 

The centerpiece of this design is a romantic skeletonized dial that reveals the beating heart of the watch. For the white version, gold-colored details and sparkling diamond indices bring the dial to life, while the black example is adorned with brilliant rose gold-colored indices and hands with high-tech black ceramic accents. Rado chose this open-worked design specifically to highlight the vitality of the watch, evocative of a love-struck racing heart.

The beating heart revealed by the delicate skeleton dial is the R734 automatic caliber. It boasts a gentle oscillation of the balance spring complemented by the melodic click of the gears moving within. The mechanism offers an extended power reserve of 80 hours, ensuring that the True Square Open Heart is viable even if it has been set down for a while. 

The Rado True Square Open Heart with a polished white case (ref. R27073702) retails for $3,050 while the version with a polished black case (ref. R27086162) retails for $2,550. 

To learn more, visit Rado here.

The new Laureato Absolute Light & Shade makes its entrance in a 44mm case crafted from metallized sapphire crystal, which features a strong brilliance and a notably light weight (85 grams). According to Girard-Perregaux, the production process is complex, requiring 170 hours of work.

It creates a stylish frame for the skeletonized in-house caliber GP01800-1143 whose main plate is octagonal-shaped, like the bezel that surrounds it. Thanks to its open-worked architecture, the self-winding movement reveals intriguing elements of its inner workings, such as the balance wheel which can be seen oscillating to-and-fro and the barrel displaying the mainspring in various degrees of tension. 

The gold oscillating weight is openworked, inviting the wearer to admire the bridges below. Upholding Girard-Perregaux’s reputation for refined finishing, the NAC-treated bridges and mainplate incorporate sandblasting, traits-tirés, circular satin finishing and beveling, with no less than 5 hand-polished inner angles. 

The time-honored Swiss manufacture has also created a special reference featuring a distinctive translucent red case to mark the advent of the Chinese New Year. The Laureato Absolute Light & Fire is limited to just 18 pieces.

Pricing for the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade and Laureato Absolute Light & Fire is marked at $99,600.

To learn more, visit Girard-Perregaux, here.