TAG Heuer presents the Monza Flyback Chronograph
A racing classic gets a modern facelift.
LVMH Watch Week, the first major luxury replica watches fair of the year, has just kicked off in Singapore. In some respects, March's Watches & Wonders is a warm-up event for the biggest watch fair of the year, LVMH Week, where the French conglomerate's watchmakers present their wares.
These include TAG Heuer, which revived a little-known racing chronograph from the 1970s in a thoroughly contemporary style. The Monza Flyback Chronometer is a flyback chronograph with a skeletonized dial and a 42mm carbon composite case.
Perhaps the most aggressively modern chronograph in TAG Heuer's current collection, the new Monza reinterprets the original from the 1970s. While the vintage Monza isn't as well-known as the Carrera or Monaco, it's interesting in several ways, including that it was the first mass-produced Heuer to feature a black-coated case.
The carbon fiber case and skeletonized asymmetrical dial reveal a different side to TAG Heuer replica watches for sale, but remain true to its motorsports chronograph heritage. Of course, TAG Heuer is different, and the Monza is clearly designed to cater to contemporary tastes, which is a good thing, since TAG Heuer already has plenty of faithful vintage remakes.
modern racing classic Like most TAG Heuer chronographs, the Monza Flyback Chronometer reflects the brand's long history in motorsports. First released in 1976, the Monza was designed by Jack Heuer, great-grandson of the brand's founder, to celebrate Ferrari's two-time Formula One title in 1975, when the team won the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships. Austrian Niki Lauda claimed the title after finishing third in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Since then, Monza has come and gone, in various guises over the decades. In the early 2000s, the brand launched several versions of the Monza, housed in a compact 39mm stainless steel case. In 2016, the Monza was redesigned as a limited edition for the model's 40th anniversary. However, all 21st century Monza models have more or less followed the style of the original.mens replica watch
The new Monza is a fresh take on its predecessor. It retains the cushion-shaped profile of past models, but is now 42mm carbon composite. Carbon composite is common now, especially for sports chronographs, but it still appeals with its unique look and feel. Not only does it create a lightweight case that's comfortable on the wrist, but the marbled composite is reminiscent of the monocoque batteries that protect drivers in Formula 1 race cars.
Interestingly, the composite case is constructed in two parts, with the bezel and case middle separated, resulting in a distinct boundary between the two. One-piece construction is more cost-effective and therefore more common since carbon composite shells are typically manufactured in a mold.
Despite its modern styling, the new Monza is indeed reminiscent of the retro original, with pump buttons for an added retro vibe.Replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
The large case creates a generous dial aperture that accommodates intricate designs. The center of the dial is hollowed out, surrounded by pulsometer and tachymeter scales. As expected from a motorsport chronograph, it has red and blue "racing" accents.
Two details stand out on the dial. One is a skeletonized date wheel, adding to the visual complexity of the dial. The date wheel is black but has a Super-Luminova background set inside the date window so the date numerals are still visible in the dark. The second is a colored sapphire disc for the dual registers, one for the elapsed minutes and the other for the constant seconds.
Like many of TAG Heuer's mid- to high-end chronographs, the Monza is powered by the Heuer 02. But this is a slightly more premium movement, with both a flyback mechanism and COSC certification.
As a powerful modern chronograph, the movement is equipped with both a column wheel and a vertical clutch. It has an ample power reserve of 80 hours, so you never have to worry about running out of power on your watch.
If for no other reason, the Monza Flyback Chronometer will catch the eye because it looks so different from most of TAG Heuer's other chronographs. The overall packaging is well executed, while the case material and inner movement lend it some technical credibility. However, it is expensive.Replica Richard Mille RM 50-03 McLaren
TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer Ref. CR5090.FN6001
Diameter: 42mm height: unavailable Material: carbon Crystal: Sapphire Water resistance: 100 meters
Movement: Caliber Heuer 02 COSC Flyback Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date and flyback chronograph Frequency: 28,800 Clockwork: Automatic winding Power reserve: 80 hours
Strap: Fabric strap with folding buckle