Tag Heuer Monaco Blue Face

[AndyWoodall]

Hi all,

Have always wanted a Monaco, of some description, ideally a blue face chrono if the budget will stretch to that.

Does anyone recommend a non high st chain that would be best to buy from? Am in the Midlands but happy to travel.

Technically my budget doesn't stretch to the £3600 that is required to get a blue face from Ernest Jones et all, what is a realistic price for a new one?

Have seen a few nice examples second hand pass through the TZ forums, so that is an option. Other than TZ, does anyone have any recommendations for good second hand watch dealers in the Midlands or beyond that carries these watches?

If I can't get a blue face chrono for my budget new or second hand I will probably go for the standard black face, which seems to be about £1995 on the high st.

Many thanks for any advice!

[Jedimindtrix]

I'd go for the Blue, have owned 2-3 of them and they're a great watch.

But, they have a Plexiglass face and it scratches very easily.

If your buying second hand i'd inspect the watch first as the scratches don't show up in camera shots.

[Jedimindtrix]

(posted twice by accident)

[AndyWoodall]

Yes, my preference is the blue and I would wait a bit longer to make up the price difference over the standard black non chrono. I suspect that when spending this kind of money it pays to keep a cool head and not rush!

Thanks for the tip for second hand models, if it comes to that I will.

Found a supplier in the US who is quoting £2500 plus shipping, they have some good feedback, some of it UK. Linky here; http://www.watchclick.com/tag-heuer-monaco-caw2111...

This will be an engagement present to me and the other half isn't really all that clued up with online suppliers, or in fact small independents that might be out there. Obviously she knows the usual high st providers, but £3600 was a bit of a shock for her!

If they can be had for near £2500 new I'd be over the moon as that's more of a realistic budget. Is this a pie in the sky idea?

Edited by AndyWoodall on Sunday 10th July 11:26

[AndyWoodall]

Oh and gratuitous pictures and any ownership experiences are welcomed!

[bobbybee]

For second hand, but in mint condition try watches.co.uk
I use them quite a lot for PP & AP purchases great to deal with, their photos and descriptions are very honest. They will also take back & refund if you don't like it for any reason without hassle
Their prices are from £1700 depending on model and condition

Also try blowers-jewellers.co.uk, not used them myself but seem to have a good rep on other forums

[Jedimindtrix]

OP

I have bought from that conpany that you posted the link for, I was stung for customs charges everytime so you won't be saving a lot if buying from the States.

[ALawson]

As always go to DomH, he should be able to get you 20-25% off so say £720 less max.

http://www.hackettwatches.com/

[AndyWoodall]

Thanks for the links, some good options there. Anyone ever bought from http://www.kcwatches.co.uk ?

Jedi, yes, thanks for the reminder about customs, easy to get carried away!

Looking at the specs of the current Blue Face (model number CAW2111.FC6183) its listed as having a sapphire crystal rather than plexi.

[anonymous-user]

ive been debating if i should get one for a long time. it will be my first proper high end watch but after going through alot of threads here ive changed my mind specially when i found out the difference between new tags and the original heuer and also alot of people have been complaining about tag customer service here.

[viper paul]

I have 4 Monaco's and have been very pleased with all of them, they are all late models both the race suit watches with the stripes and a Black face, I would be very tempted with the thought of a blue face version but a perspex glass does put me off.

Nevr used TAG's customer service so can't comment, but the original black face Monaco is 12 years old and has never missed a beat which considering it lives in a watch winder when its not on my wrist means its very reliable, and keeps great time.

[AndyWoodall]

Am I missing something? Specs for the current model blue face don't list it as plexiglass?

[Mr E Driver]

IIWY I would get one of these, might cost a bit more but will be worth a lot more in years to come as they ain't making these any more!

[Miguel Alvarez]

AndyWoodall said:

Am I missing something? Specs for the current model blue face don't list it as plexiglass?

The current ones no (according to the guy in Goldsmiths) they changed them over a few years back.

[CocoUK]

Morning,
I've got a CAW2111 Monaco Blue & I absolutely love it, looks splendid on the wrist & with the motorsport heritage was the perfect watch for me.

As above, make DomH your first call to see what price he can source a new CAW2111 for, if you can stretch to £2,500 you may >just< be in luck!
You can easily go a couple of hundread under £2k to get a pre-worn. Typical wear will be some discolour to the inside of the strap, scratches to the face & possibly in need of a service.

I believe the recent history to be along the lines of:
<2009 = Caliber 17, plexiglass face.
>2009 = Calibre 12, sapphire crystal face, movement case-back.