The Monaco Twenty Four Racing is the first addition to the 24 series since the Gulf striped black model first shown in 2009, while the Calibre 11 Chronograph is a Heuer branded watch in the traditional case that follows the other Heuer-logo watches released in the last two years (the Blue 40th Anniversary Monaco of 2009 and the Grey Monaco Vintage of 2010).

The 24 Racing (Ref. CAL5112) is essentially a silver (or more accurately anthracite) dial version of the 24 Gulf, but in a stainless steel case.

The dial really is a beautiful colour and finish- the official press photos really don’t do it justice. It’s a much more subtle watch than the Gulf version and looks the better without the stripes on the dial. I’m still waiting for TAG Heuer to put out a Monaco 24 in the traditional McQueen Blue and White colours, and while it looks like we’ll have to wait another year, it’s great to see the range expanding. You can imagine that a special version of this watch will be released each year to maintain exclusivity.

As it says on the dial, the watch uses the Calibre 36 movement, the wonderful El Primero from Zenith. The party trick of this watch is the way that the dial and movement are suspended in the case- it’s something you’ll never get sick of looking at and is a great way of taking the Monaco look and style into the 21st century and away from being just an homage to the 1970s.