One of the most interesting things about Steve McQueen is his penchant for racing motorcycles and cars.  In fact, the actor did most of the driving and vehicle stunts in his movies, (except for a few which he was not allowed to do because of insurance restrictions).  His driving scenes in The Great Escape and Bullitt are actually some of the most memorable scenes in movie history.

So when Steve McQueen chose to wear the Tag Heuer Monaco watch for his role in the 1971 racing film, Le Mans, the timepiece has a become part of the screen icon’s legacy.  The watch was made to match Steve McQueens racing suit in the movie.  Interestingly, the suit was also a replica of the one worn by Jo Siffert, the first racer sponsored by Tag Heuer.

However, the Monaco watch by Tag Heuer has already made its mark before it was associated with Steve McQueen.  It was the first water-resistant watch in history to be enclosed in square casing, which broke the watchmaking tradition of round casings.  It is also the first automatic chronograph, powered by the Chronomatic Calibre 11.  This means that it was the first watch to automatically rewind itself by using a microrotor.

In 2005, the Monaco watch was reissued by Tag Heuer, in honour of what should have been the 75^th birthday of Steve McQueen.  This new version is a little different from the original model, as the original blue dial was changed to white.  It also further matches the McQueen/Siffert suit in Le Mans because it was decorated with red, blue and white bands.  Despite the new version using a push-button buckle in its blue alligator bracelet; it still projects the classic elegance of the original model.

Currently, Tag Heuer offers three watch models in its Monaco line – the Calibre 12 Automatic Chronograph, the Monaco Automatic and the Sixty Nine.

The Calibre 12 Automatic Chronograph is the one that resembles the Steve McQueen Monaco the most and all aspects of its design is inspired by the famous actor.  The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters and has three subcounters, which shows the minute clock at 9 o’clock, the date clock at 6 o’clock and the second clock at 3 o’clock.  The case has Sapphire crystal glass and is measured at 39mm.  This model comes in either blue or black alligator bracelet, with safe push-button folding buckles.

Iconic Watches loves the icon Steve Mc Queen and in tern remember that Iconic Watches can source any Tag heuer watch at approx. 20% RRP.

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