Hands On With the TAG Heuer Monaco Bamford Watch in Aquablue

TAG Heuer Monaco Bamford watch

During Baselworld,  TAG Heuer showed off its newest collaboration with Bamford Watch Department, the company known for tricking out watches according to individual desires.  The new TAG Heuer Monaco Bamford watch is the second one where TAG Heuer authorized Bamford to do something special with one of its timepieces.  This new interpretation of the iconic Monaco watch is a bit of an eye opener – thanks to the visually arresting luminescent Aquablue visual cues for the chronograph sub-dial counters, minute track  and date against a black dial.  Additionally, the watch is created in a solid carbon case.

Bamford’s signature Aquablue color — along with the case material — is enough to change an icon into a stealth watch. The previous TAG Heuer/Bamford Watch Department collaboration was just last year when TAG Heuer’s Jean-Claude Biver announced that the brand authorizes Bamford to make personal changes for customers. Thus, becoming another brand to truly legitimize and authorize Bamford to work on the brand’s timepieces. Early on in Bamford’s career, his work was skeptically viewed by many brands and purists because he would customize beautiful, often rare watches. However, as his work became more well-known, he has become the go-to person for unique personalization and distinctive appeal. He has added incredible value to many a timepiece, and made many  watch owners very happy with the results.

Tag Heuer Monaco Bamford Watch Department watch, photo courtesy of our friends at MONOCHROME-WATCHES.

Impressions:

The newest  39-mm square-dial Monaco with crown on the left, and with Aquablue accents that give it a bold and modern look is expected to resonate with younger Millennial customers. This is especially true as this watch marks the first time the brand has issued a Monaco with a carbon case – making it ultra lightweight and highly attractive in looks. The watch, finished with a black alligator strap, is being created in a limited edition and is sold only via TAG Heuer brick-and-mortar and online boutiques around the world. It retails for $8,100.  

I am a big lover of the Monaco, especially some of the more traditional racing-motif Monaco watches, so  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I certainly didn’t think i would like a tricked out carbon watch and luminescent Aqua-blue. I was wrong. I liked it. Would I plunk my $8,100 on it  when there are others I like more … maybe not. But for those who love something special and different — this is it. Oh,and by the way, I also  had a chance to spend some time with Bamford  himself — whom I did like very much. I will bring you that interview soon. Stay tuned.