Following the release of the first of five limited-edition Monaco watches intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic square-shaped TAG Heuer model at the Monaco Grand Prix in May, the LVMH-owned brand announced the second watch in the commemorative series late last week. The new TAG Heuer Monaco 1979-1989 Limited Edition was introduced in the French city that played an integral role in building the status of the Monaco in the world of watch collecting: Le Mans.

The original Heuer Monaco was introduced in 1969 as one of the world?s first chronographs with a self-winding movement. In 1971, the actor Steve McQueen wore a Heuer Monaco while acting in the cult film Le Mans. The Monaco of 1969 followed the design codes of the late ?60s and early ?70s: colorful dial, subdials in contrasting colors and a case that wasn?t round. The case was eye-catching not only because of its rectangular shape but also because the crown was placed on the left side ? a peculiarity of automatic Caliber 11, which Heuer developed in conjunction with Breitling, Hamilton-Buren, and Dubois Dépraz.
The watch that was unveiled in Le Mans is dedicated to the second decade of the Monaco’s production life, from the years 1979 to 1989. The stainless-steel timepiece is limited to a total of 169 pieces, the same amount as the first limited release, and features a bright red dial that stands out compared to the cool blue design historically affiliated with the Monaco. Contrasting with ...