As legend has it, before Le Mans began filming, Jack Heuer flew to the movie’s set in France with a range of watches for Steve McQueen to select from for his character Michael Delaney to wear.
McQueen selected the square-dial Monaco.
That model, the first Swiss-made automatic chronograph watch that was both square and waterproof, went on to become known as the “McQueen Monaco” and has forever been associated with the blue and orange stripes of Gulf Oil (Delaney’s sponsor in the film).
To pay tribute both to the original Monaco and the 50th anniversary of Gulf Racing, TAG Heuer is releasing a special edition of the timepiece that’s decked out in Gulf’s two-tone racing stripes.
With a TAG Heuer Calibre 11 movement featuring 59 rubies and a 40-hour power reserve, the Monaco Gulf Special Edition is enclosed in domed sapphire crystal and polished steel that’s water resistant to 330 feet. In addition to the timeless blue sunray dial that graced the original Monanco, the new piece is adorned with blue and orange Gulf stripes to mark the anniversary.
“It’s a real privilege today to connect again with Gulf and the successful history of car racing,” TAG Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver tells us. “It could not be a more emotional association and prestigious partnership. I don’t know any brand that could have such a strong and authentic relationship, a relationship which is now perfectly expressed through the Monaco Gulf watch.”
Currently available for pre-order through September 15, the $5,900 special piece is only available in the United States.
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