Tag Heuer
Monaco Calibre 12 Vintage Gulf Le Mans Limited Edition - Steve McQueen

TAG Heuer chronograph — Monaco Gulf limited edition "Steve McQueen 24h Le Mans" anniversary release. An original collector's timepiece rooted in the world of motor racing, this 2018 reinterpretation of the legendary 1969 Heuer Chronomatic Calibre 12 features a distinctive square 42mm case and a dual sapphire crystal, offering a clear view of the bidirectional rotor powering its automatic mechanical movement.

Calibre 12 movement, a modern and reliable version built from two core components: the ETA 2894-A2 base (a higher-end movement and unusual in ETA’s lineup, as it doesn't derive from the 7750 calibre — a notable exception). This movement includes an Incabloc shock absorber system managing the timekeeping functions (hours, minutes, seconds) and the quick-set date display via the crown.

The rotor, visible through the caseback, enables bidirectional automatic winding. This configuration also enhances reliability thanks to the ETACHRON regulator system — usually reserved for high-end models. This tailored combination creates a solid, accurate, and durable engine. With a 42-hour power reserve when fully wound, this watch is well-prepared for a 24-hour endurance race.

The chronograph module, developed by Dubois-Depraz, completes the movement. It manages the synchronized counters aligned with the central chronograph hand, which can be started and stopped via the two pushers flanking the crown. The result is a 59-jewel chronograph movement with "small seconds" functionality, operating at 28,000 vibrations per hour.

The racing-style dial of this Monaco is a defining element of the edition: a black base decorated with faceted hour markers, highlighted by twelve luminescent Super-LumiNova indexes set on a circular minute track with 1/20th second graduations. Two square sub-dials flank the center — 60 seconds on the right, 30 minutes on the left. A date window marked "SWISS MADE" sits at six o’clock. Above it, the Gulf logo stands out, framed by two vertical blue and orange stripes — an homage to Steve McQueen’s Porsche 917 in *Le Mans*, or the Ford GT driven by Matt Damon. The chronograph hands are orange, while the main timekeeping hands are steel with luminescent tips.

This assertive timepiece draws direct inspiration from TAG Heuer’s racing heritage. As a historic brand on the world’s most famous circuits, TAG Heuer celebrates its iconic legacy through this limited edition: the Monaco Gulf design instantly evokes the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

You can find stories about the Heuer Monaco chronograph and Steve McQueen at Le Mans on our "watch history" page. Explore the brands, their heritage, and their many models. You’ll also discover stories of watches worn by celebrities and iconic figures here.