Introduced in 1969, the Monaco racing watch was one of the world’s first automatic chronographs, with its blue sunburst dial and contrasting silvered counters, red hands, and square shape with a wide sapphire crystal and faceted edges, popular with Monaco watch enthusiasts. The latest version of the TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre Heuer 02, our test fake watch, has the same visual characteristics, all of which TAG Heuer has refined from the earlier Monaco Calibre 12 model. The once-flat lugs are now slightly recessed, giving the design more depth and interest.
Another update: the symmetrical arrangement now shows elapsed minutes and hours, rather than minutes and seconds. The running second’s indication is now located at 6 o’clock – a clever solution, even though the second’s hand sweeps past the date window for several seconds each minute. With the new movement, TAG Heuer has designed a clear display layout, but this is a compromise. This includes the small seconds display at 6 o’clock, which requires the word “automatic” to be moved up and placed between the two gears. 
Now, for the first time, the Monaco Chronograph is powered by a truly in-house movement. This innovation actually offers the user a real advantage. And the new movement visually complements Monaco with its modern, high-tech look, its generous 31 mm diameter, and the large sapphire crystal on the case-back.
The latest variant of this prestigious replica watch shows its strengths both in terms of finish and operation. The interestingly shaped pushers with protective rings are easy to use thanks to the chronograph’s column-wheel control, while the vertical clutch ensures a quick and smooth start of the stopwatch hand. In addition, the alligator strap with its single-sided safety folding clasp opens and closes easily and is adjusted to the perfect length by means of an integrated clamping mechanism.
Since all the positive features of the previous Monaco models remain unchanged and the new movement offers many additional upgrades, we can conclude that anyone who does not mind the small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock and the re-positioning of the word “Automatic” will consider this newly manufactured watch to be the best Monaco ever made.
2021 New Testing the TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre Heuer 02
