OK, I will admit it, I’m a fanboi of the Monaco. Yes, the old models only had a souped up variant of the ETA based movement but now that TAG/LVMH has been obliged to build their own movement factory to get around the EU rules on manufacturing cartels etc. this beautiful watch really can begin to justify its price tag. The 02 movement sets the 2019 onwards Monaco watches apart – genuinely a new engine folks.

But red? Hmm, still think the Gulf Racing orange/blue combo, followed by the blue dial models, are the best lookers – comment below by the way 😉

OK so what’s the inside dope on this 1000 piece ltd edition, 39mm case size, Monaco GP model?

Well you get special printing of the Monaco Historic Grand Prix logo, and it is engraved with the inscription “Limited Edition One of 1000. ” So tick that collectors item box. In fact you get a special box too. Big news for us right-handed people – it has a winder in the conventional position, so setting the time is that bit easier. 

On the downside, some collectors might say that means it ain’t a real Monaco, since the winding crown should be at 9 o’clock. True, but impractical for many of us.

Dial: TAG says it features a red sunray paint job, and rhodium-treated, tricompax, rhodium-plated indexes and hour and minute hands coated with SuperLuminova, plus central seconds hand of the chronograph red lacquered, “Grand Prix de Monaco Historique” logo at 1:30. 

There’s also a see-thru caseback, which is one of the real selling points of this Monaco, as the view is well worth a second look. The rotor is beautifully segmented, bit like a spoked steering wheel, and gold touches on the balance bridge, brushed effect on bridgework etc really do shout quality at you.

We checked the TAG website today but couldn’t find an official price. Stocks look likely to be limited in the UK, so we are guessing there will be a waiting list and say £5600-ish RRP. Is it worth waiting for? Not as an investment watch, no, it could take 25-35 years to significantly appreciate in value – adjusted for inflation – based on historic prices for Autavias/Carreras etc. But if you love motorsport then the limited edition Monaco is something different from the mainstream.

For us, the Gulf colours Monaco always will say Steve McQueen/Le Mans like no other watch. That’s all, everything else is just conversation right?