Limited edition TAG Heuer Monaco V4

For some Tag Heuers are modern watches, but the estimable Swiss company has been making watches since 1860. The 150th anniversary model is a chip off the old “Monaco” engine block The V4 sets a 2004 Baselworld model prototype into retail production for discriminating collectors around the world.

The Monaco V4 holds technical surprises that support TAG Heuer’s claim to worldwide watchmaking superlatives. Only 150 Monaco V4s are to be sold, celebrating exclusivity with elegant solutions to radical design ideas. The dial itself has been stripped away, leaving only minute and hour hands.

Two global patents reinvent the watchmaking wheel as only TAG Heuer can. The internal engine is composed of turnbuckles and five microdrive belts, and these the size of a human hair. The Monaco V4 features a linear instead of oscillating drive, with a face of squarish design in tribute to the original Monaco watch.

The Monaco watch worn by Steve McQueen in the 1970 car race film Le Mans had the same square look. But this Monaco has platinum casing and an alligator strap with a titanium insert. As a visual and mechanical foil to traditional watchmaking, The V4 panders to motorheads and racing enthusiasts who want a little more power to their wristwatch yet won’t sacrifice elegance or style.