The TAG Heuer Monaco racing chronograph has been a design icon in the world of wristwatches for more than 50 years. When the reference 1133 was launched in 1969, it was one of the first self-winding chronographs. The watch developed by Jack Heuer made its grand entrance on the wrist of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen in the classic film Le Mans. The Monaco was also the first water-resistant chronograph with a square case – an unmistakable Monaco design element that has been retained to this day. Another special feature of the first and some later models is the unusual positioning of the crown on the left side of the case at 9, while the chronograph pushers are classically positioned on the right side at 2 and 4 o’clock. This design is the result of the use of Caliber 11, also known as the Chronomatic, the construction of which required this configuration. On later models with more modern calibers, the crown moved to the right side of the case. Over the decades, TAG Heuer has introduced a number of different versions of the Monaco. These are characterized by different dial colors, movements, and features. Today, we’re presenting the Monaco ref. CBL2116, which was launched in 2021 and is limited to just 500 pieces.
Design and Function of the Tag Heuer Monaco CBL2116
Technically and functionally, the Monaco CBL2116 is based on the standard models that TAG Heuer has added to its range in 2019. These are mainly characterized by timepieces using the in-house Heuer caliber 02, as well as the pushers and crown being positioned on the right-hand side of the case. The dial of the Monaco CBL2116 is a rich emerald green, which is given a special aesthetic by a sunburst finish and the so-called “dégradé” effect. Here, the color intensity increases toward the edges, where it becomes deep green, almost black. The overall design of the dial is discreet and typical of the Monaco. For example, rhodanized hour indices filled with white Super-LumiNova ensure that the watch is clearly legible. In addition to the two subdials for the 30-minute and 12-hour counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, there is a small seconds dial with a discreetly integrated date window at 6. The subdials themselves are black, providing an intense contrast to the green dial. This contrast is also reflected in the black alligator strap, which is fitted with the familiar TAG Heuer folding clasp. The clasp allows for custom length adjustment without having to punch holes in the strap. This allows for precise and comfortable adjustment to the desired fit.
The Monaco CBL2116 has a classic square stainless steel case measuring 39 mm x 39 mm, with pushers and crown on the right side. It has a mix of polished and brushed surfaces, and a domed sapphire crystal that protects the dial. Despite its rather compact dimensions, the case including the crystal has a considerable height of around 14 mm, giving the watch a striking presence on the wrist. The 22-mm lug width, which is relatively wide for a 39-mm case, also contributes to this. The Monaco CBL2116 is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) and is therefore suitable for swimming. The Monaco is powered by the automatic in-house Heuer caliber 02. The movement has a column wheel and a vertical clutch. With a power reserve of up to 80 hours, the fully wound movement can run for more than four days. For this limited edition, “Cal. Heuer 02,” “Swiss Made,” and the TAG Heuer logo are engraved in green on the movement’s rotor. Also green: the column wheel. The screw-down stainless steel case back is fitted with a sapphire crystal that reveals the movement, which has been exclusively decorated for this model.
Pricing and Value Retention
The TAG Heuer Monaco CBL2116 currently lists at $7,550. Shortly after the first pieces became available on the Chrono24 marketplace in the spring of 2021, the price climbed to an average of $9,500. After some fluctuations, the watch reached its highest price in April 2024, when buyers were willing to pay $10,500 for a mint-condition piece. At the time of this writing (December 2024), the price had settled in at $9,500. Overall, the Monaco CBL2116 is trading at a stable price of around 23% to 35% above its original list price.
Summary
The Monaco is one of TAG Heuer’s great classics. It’s been a design icon for more than 50 years. The Monaco CBL2116 preserves the classic model’s DNA while introducing modern design elements. Its striking aesthetics, the technically sophisticated Heuer caliber 02, and limitation to 500 pieces make it interesting for fans of the Monaco and collectors alike. The model can also be considered an investment due to its superior, stable performance. The CBL2116 may even have the potential to become one of TAG Heuer’s future classics.
