Monacos
Author
Discussion

arun1uk

Original Poster:

1,068 posts

229 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
quotequote all
Evening all,

I'd like some advice please. I'm abroad at the moment and have decided to get a Monaco, but the problem is I've seen 3 that I really like, but wanted some opinions on which to get.

- The standard Monaco in Blue. Design classic and still looks great today.



- Mappin and Webb limited edition (only 250 made). Looks ok, but not sure about the finish of the face...



- Limitied edition "Heuer" Monaco. It uses a Calibre 11 movement instead of 12, and has the crown on the left hand side of the watch. Feels like nicer leather and doesnt have the "Tag" name on it.




Which one will hold it's value best? Does anyone know the difference between the first 2 and the 3rd one? I have to admit, I prefer the Vintage Heuer, but am a bit conscious about it's ability to hold it's value...

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks gents.

aberdeeneuan

1,435 posts

209 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
quotequote all
I can't talk on values as i'm not one for watching them, but I have a blue Monaco and adore it. I always wanted one and it had to be in the "proper" colour.

However, i was in town the other week and tried on the vintage and it's really nice on, much more subtle watch and if money were no object I'd have one alongside my original.

I suspect used values will be pretty similar though, maybe bit higher on the vintage but as i say, I'm no expert. Expensive new these days though, I paid a lot less than they want these days!


JungleJim

2,430 posts

243 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
quotequote all
the heuer

Podie

46,649 posts

306 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
quotequote all
Heuer
Map in & Webb
Blue one


An original would hold value best though...

aberdeeneuan

1,435 posts

209 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
quotequote all
One thing to bear in mind, the vintage Monaco is slightly larger in diameter and thickness. It's not really noticeable when trying it on, however I find my Monaco fits beneath shirts better than some of my other watches (the Hamilton GMT springs to mind) so worth checking it's right for when you'll wear the watch.

al1991

4,552 posts

211 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
quotequote all
If I had to buy a Tag, I'd get one that didn't have Tag on the dial.

Mr E Driver

8,542 posts

215 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

search works remarkably well http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/search4.asp?h=0...

Edited by Mr E Driver on Friday 13th May 18:05

CardShark

4,263 posts

210 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
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al1991 said:
If I had to buy a Tag, I'd get one that didn't have Tag on the dial.
Same here. I really like the blue faced Monacos but the Heuer name would win it for me, and the watch in the 3rd pic is just cloud9.

Have you considered buying pre-owned and pre-Tag? Some lovely classic Monacos out there and if you buy wisely depreciation shouldn't be an issue.

Parsnip

3,281 posts

219 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
I would go for the blue. The middle one is too in your face and the bottom one (while nice) just doesn't look quite right (think it might be the horizontal hour markers I don't like) - if it is the Tag snobbery that puts you off (which it really shouldn't) then get a real Heuer.

Miguel Alvarez

5,183 posts

201 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
Heuer vs Tag Heuer aside I'd get the blue. I've wanted one for ages but after trying one on a few weeks back it sits a bit higher than I originally expected. Still will get one though to scratch the itch.

arun1uk

Original Poster:

1,068 posts

229 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
Cheers for the feedback guys. You see, that's the thing. I'm not really put off by the Tag name, but it just looks nicer and a bit more classy without it. Just my opinion of course.

I can get the Mappin and Webb version for £2.8k, however, the Vintage is more expensive at £3.5k.

I didn't notice the vintage was bigger when I tried them both on, and both fitted nicely under a double cuff. The vintage did feel nicer on, as the crown was on the other side, so I'd expect it not to dig in when I'm driving for a long journey.

In a meeting at the moment so cant really google it, but what's the diff between the mechanisms? Calibre 11 and 12?

Fittster

20,120 posts

244 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
I don't get re-edition Monacos, they cost more than a vintage could. Normally a reproduction is cheaper than the original.

andy_s

19,857 posts

290 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
arun1uk said:
In a meeting at the moment so cant really google it, but what's the diff between the mechanisms? Calibre 11 and 12?
http://www.heuermonaco.co.uk/#/calibre-11-12-15/4537237391

Basically a strengthening of key parts and a higher beat rate. A second refinement of the first (arguably) auto chrono movement with a great crown/pusher lay-out.

I'd definitely, without hesitation or question, go for an original Heuer. Once you learn about the history and get into the movements/design etc then you see that beauty is more than skin deep and you'd have something quite special and historical.

tonytifoso

1,385 posts

254 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
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The Heuer for me as well. Very nice indeed.

GCH

4,141 posts

233 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
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Of the three, the bottom one- heuer logo looks so much better.

But personally, none of the above...
Get the original heuer re-issue monaco from '98 onwards. Not a fan of the newer ones- dont look as nice IMHO.

arun1uk

Original Poster:

1,068 posts

229 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
I'm buying the Heuer. Will post pics when I get home!

Ikemi

8,610 posts

236 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
arun1uk said:
I'm buying the Heuer. Will post pics when I get home!
Congrats! My favourite of the ones you posted ... Enjoy it! thumbup

andy_s

19,857 posts

290 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
arun1uk said:
I'm buying the Heuer. Will post pics when I get home!
Super - I think that's a wise move indeed, well done and look forward to the pics.

dustybottoms

512 posts

226 months

Friday 13th May 2011
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Fittster said:
I don't get re-edition Monacos, they cost more than a vintage could. Normally a reproduction is cheaper than the original.
Really?

You may well be right but I would be very surprised if you could buy a vintage, genuine, no issues Heuer Monaco for less than £3k. I thought that vinatge Monacos were in the ball park of £6k upwards to £30k nowadays from reliable Heuer sources.

If you now where these can be bought please let me know, thanks.

Importr

111 posts

225 months

Monday 16th May 2011
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I used to own the blue McQueen Monaco, but then I felt that it was becoming a bit chavvy, seeing more people wearing them on TV and while out and about.

The only 1 of the 3 choices you gave - I'd only choose the vintage.

Now i prefer the understated all-black Chronograph or the simple cal.6 automatic