Monaco
The 1969 square-cased automatic chronograph, co-developed for the Caliber 11 movement (the Heuer-Breitling-Dubois-Dépraz consortium) and forever attached to Steve McQueen in Le Mans. The modern Calibre Heuer 02 generation (2019) carries the silhouette with an in-house chronograph.
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The Monaco is the one watch that cannot be copied because the case shape is so specific -- 39mm square, crown on the left, two-register chronograph layout. It debuted in 1969 on Steve McQueen's wrist in Le Mans. The modern Heuer 02 movement version is the first Monaco with an in-house caliber. The heritage is genuine.
- 1Open
TAG Heuer Monaco Heuer 02 -- square case McQueen heritage with an in-house movement, the most iconic TAG.
- The case for it:
- The Monaco with the Heuer 02 in-house column-wheel chronograph is the first Monaco to have a movement that matches the case's reputation. The blue dial with white subdials is the historically correct reference. For buyers who want an iconic watch with a legitimate story, the Monaco is the answer.
- Consider instead if:
- The square case is polarizing -- it fits some wrists well and looks awkward on others. Try before buying. The Monaco trades on heritage and McQueen association; buyers who are unmoved by that provenance should look at the Carrera for a more versatile TAG.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.