First Look: Monaco Full Black- ACM Calibre 12
While it’s been nothing but Carreras so far in 2013, those who prefer their chronographs square are in for some good news- the “PVD” TAG Heuer Monaco returns for 2013, with the new Monaco Full Black Automobile Club de Monaco (“ACM”) edition.
This is the second ACM Monaco, and while the watch won’t be officially announced until a few days before the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix (mid-May), we can bring you a first look today at the new chronograph.
As you’ll discover, the original 1970s Black Monaco is one of the most enigmatic watches in the vintage Heuer world- both because it’s very rare…and because it’s not 100% clear that it ever (officially) existed at all.
History of the Heuer Monaco 74033N
We’ve brought you several stories on the Heuer Monaco 74033N, known as the “PVD Monaco”. PVD stands for “Physical Vapor Deposition”, which is a method for applying a thin coating to a base-metal. In the watch industry, watches coated with a black powder-coated finish are often called PVD, even though this is the process of application rather than the finish itself.
Heuer were one of the pioneers of PVD watches and in the mid-late 1970s began to offer all-black versions of several models, including the Monza, Lemania 510.XXX, Pasedena and 1000 series.
Without doubt the rarest of these PVD models is the Monaco, which not only features a PVD case, but also a bespoke dial and hand combination not offered on any other model- it’s a beautiful looking watch.
However, while there is no dispute that the 74033N uses genuine Heuer parts, there is considerable doubt on whether the watch was ever sold through mainstream dealers. I have heard of a collector who claims to have a watch complete with original sale docket, but despite a couple of rule-proving exceptions, my view is that the most likely scenario is that the Monaco 74033N is a prototype, non-production watch.
Some collectors claim that Jack Heuer has personally authenticated the watch- all I can say is that when I asked him, he had no recollection of the watch, even when I showed him a photo.
If the prototype theory is correct, it would mean that the majority of examples you see today are likely to have been assembled by watchmakers who acquired the parts from Heuer in the early 1980s. Does this lack of “factory original” status hurt values? Exactly the opposite.
Rather than detract from the watch, the mystery around the origins of the Heuer Monaco 74033N have only served to create an aura around the watch, making it only made it more interesting to collectors.
2012 TAG Heuer Monaco ACM
Last year saw TAG Heuer launch the first watches with the ACM logo, including the Calibre 12 Monaco you see above. The watch has Orange highlights on the dial and strap, as well as contrasting white sub-dials…and of course, a standard stainless steel case.
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this is miracle . bravo maestro ;)
this is miracle . bravo maestro ;)
Well set out article from a obviously well informed watch lover!
Well set out article from a obviously well informed watch lover!
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