TAG Heuer Debuts a Dark Blue Skeleton Monaco in DLC Titanium

Dark-themed watches, often referred to as "blackout" or "stealth" watches, are considered highly stylish and contemporary. They are versatile and can be worn with a wide range of outfits, casual or formal. In fact, such luxury watches offer a range of style, from sporty and rugged to sleek and elegant. The latest dark-themed watch in the realm of horology has been unveiled by TAG Heuer, celebrating the 2024 Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, which has just ended. Housed in a black DLC titanium case, the new iteration of the brand’s modern Monaco Chronograph (Ref. CBL2188.FT6261) is now available in a stunning dark blue shade.

The skeleton dial version of the Monaco Chronograph made its debut at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, marking TAG Heuer's first attempt in a long time to deliver an openworked version of its distinctive squared chronograph, at least in the classic line. For the 2024 Monaco edition, the timepiece maker chose a dark blue colour that pays homage to the Principality of Monaco's racing legacy, albeit with a modern twist. The colour scheme is inspired by the Mediterranean shore, which hosts one of the world's most important races.

While the overall design is identical to that of all classic versions in the range, the 39 mm piece is now completed with a sandblasted grade 2 titanium case. For this new edition, the case, including the crown at 3 o'clock, and rectangular pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock, has been covered with black DLC. The watch keeps its classic bevelled sapphire crystal on top. 

The key change from the three original editions of 2023 lies in the dial, which is now available in a dark blue tone. The graphic and geometric dial consists of a sandblasted dark blue base with an opaline blue module on top that includes the minute track on the outer periphery and subdials. What’s more, the timepiece has a black and blue opaline 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, a permanent second indicator at 6 o’clock with a rhodium-plated hand, a black and blue opaline 12-hour chronograph counter at 9 o’clock, and a date disc at 6 o’clock with light blue Super-LumiNova®.

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All hands associated with the chronograph have been provided with a touch of yellow. White carved indexes with Super-LumiNova provide better legibility in all light conditions. Furthermore, the white carved hour markers and rhodium-plated faceted hour and minute hands have light blue Super-LumiNova®; a yellow lacquered central hand can be spotted too.

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Under the sapphire caseback lies the in-house integrated automatic Calibre Heuer 02 (TH20-00), which has an 80-hour power reserve as well as a column wheel and vertical clutch construction. Turning the watch over showcases the sandblasted black DLC grade 2 titanium screwed sapphire caseback, a blackened rotor, and yellow accents on the column wheel. This new dark blue edition of the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph, worn on a dark blue embossed calfskin and rubber strap with a DLC titanium folding clasp, is now available as part of the permanent collection.