Tag Heuer Carrera or Monaco? 40th birthday

[Speed Badger]

Hi all, I turned 40 last week and intend to treat myself to a Tag Heuer watch. I always loved them since I was a kid, watching F1 with the timing by Tag and thinking 'cor they must be good if they time the F1!' Anyway, fast forward to about 2014 and I had a Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph like the one in the pic but the previous model, slightly different font for the hours and different bracelet etc, but I had to sell it when I was unexpectedly made unemployed.

Part of me wants the redemption of getting it back again, so to speak, plus I love the retro sports car dashboard look of the chronograph dials and also one of the few automatic chronographs to have a day and date feature.

The Monaco I want because it's timelessly classy and because, well, it's a Monaco. I don't have any particular personal reason for one, just always liked them. What are people's opinions on both out of interest? I will be buying second hand, prices for the Carrera are around £2000-£2800 and the Monaco around £3000-£3800 for the age I'm looking at.

[sidewinder500]

Monaco all the way!
The Carrera is nice, but a little like every other watch in that segment (I like it, had one as well, but still...).

And bearing in mind, the Monaco is 1) an icon and 2) very close to the original design.
You have to try one though, to see if you're comfortable wearing it.

[nikaiyo2]

Monaco is a legend, but make sure it’s comfortable, I can’t wear them!

[Jimjimhim]

Both nice but I prefer the carrera

[n3il123]

Of those two the monaco, it's different and well steve mcqueen...

There are other carreras that I'd have over a monaco though

[gregs656]

IMO the current Monacos are unwearable. The proportions are just bad, and I have some large watches so I am not against a bigger watch. The older ones are a lot better.

[paulw123]

I think older versions of both watches are nicer looking than the current ones. My mate has a 10 year old Monaco and it's lovely. Older Carreras are lovely too though. Of the two you posted I'd go with the Monaco.

[Maxus]

If you’re buying 1 watch to wear all the time to do everything then the Carrera makes sense. If you have or plan to have multiple watches then the Monaco is great.
I have an older blue Monaco and love it. Nice to wear and an iconic watch.

[CrippsCorner]

Carrera for me, I'm working my way towards a glassbox!

[Somebody]

Carrera. But..........it needs to be classic: under 40mm and without the TAG badge. Should have just the HEUER shield on the dial as the TAG badge cheapens the icons in the Monaco and Carrera for me.

[Speed Badger]

Thanks for all the responses, I really love both watches and I know what one poster means about if it was a daily wearer the Carrera would be a good choice. I'm so in love with my Oris Aquis that I wear it most days (apart from lately as I've had a tattoo, also for my 40th and can't wear one at the moment. Tried wearing it on my other wrist and it feels wrong and weird!)

I suppose it would be semi-regular worn in rotation, not just an occasional 'going out' watch, I like to wear the more special watches rather than saving them for a special occasion etc.

For clarity it would be the Monaco Calibre 11 I would go for, the one faithful to the original 1969 version -

[Maxus]

If it’s something to rotate with your Otis then definitely the Monaco. A nice contrast which you will enjoy wearing. Cool watch.

[sidewinder500]

Perfect choice!
Well done

[gregd]

Yep I'd go with the Monaco above. I only ever seem to like the more retro 'Heuer' branded models.. I much prefer the old logo.

[CocoUK]

Monaco
I have a blue on croc, feels special for the price point and received admiration from others.
Was also my own birthday celebration milestone, although sadly seen much less use in recent years.
The motorsport / McQueen / Porsche link was the draw for me, plus the shape and history.

Carrera
I got my brother a Carrera for a wedding gift, exactly as pictured in the OP.
I found it was more special than I expected in person and perhaps works for more occasions?
It just lacks that 'character' the Monaco has.

[aberdeeneuan]

Monaco all the way. I wanted one for years and have had mine for a long time now (2006 I think). It’s a special thing, and in the original sizings fits really well. The strap took a bit of breaking in but is immensely comfortable now.

[raceboy]

The blue Heuer branded Monaco would be my choice, although an actual 'Heuer' Monaco would be preferable, not sure what they are worth these days, when I bought mine many many years ago it was less than the TAG

[NCE 61]

Monaco Calibre 11 would be my choice, prices have gone up quite a bit since I purchased mine eight years ago.

[Soleith]

Not particularly a Tag fan, only one I'd consider owning is a Monaco so that would settle it for me!

Also, depending on your personality a bit, the Carrera might remind you of the difficult spell of your life with unemployment and being forced to sell it, similarly it might remind you of the redemption of being forced to sell it and now being back on track and able to buy it again! If the former, avoid, if the latter, go for it!

[BrabusMog]

I wanted to get a Monaco years ago but found it quite uncomfortable when I tried it on, so I ended up with one of these instead (I paid way less than this though)