For watch nerds — and, indeed, most people with a telly — the 2013 Formula 1 season was a blizzard of green and gold, thanks to Rolex’s panoramic sponsorship agreement with Bernie Ecclestone.
However, one race was conspicuous for the timepiece giant’s absence; the most highly anticipated and glamorous fixture of the F1 calendar — Monaco.
Instead, the oversized hoardings and undersized grid-girl outfits continue to be adorned with the green and red chevron of Tag Heuer, thanks to a deal struck between the watchmaker and the Automobile Club de Monaco in 2011. Appropriate, given Tag has sponsored more winning Monaco drivers than any brand in history, as well as a fictional Le Mans driver played by on-screen Steve McQueen in 1971.
Jack Heuer himself kitted out the grizzled star with a cobalt-blue square chronograph — called the Monaco, funnily enough — and it is this iconic timepiece that this year’s “Automobile Club De Monaco Black” limited-edition revamps in F1-grade black titanium carbide — the first (nearly) all-black Monaco since 1974. The black leather strap, perforated like a racy steering wheel, and lined with retro orange, is a particular highlight.
If Bruce Wayne drove an F1 car, he would wear this watch on his arm. With one of those grid girls on the other doubt.
Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 12 Automobile Club De Monaco Black Edition Chronograph, Dhs29,400
tagheuer.com