The biggest myth about Monaco, according to someone I know who was born and brought up there, is that everybody is rich. That’s categorically not true, he states. Those who come to Monaco tend to be rich, and there’s an army of people working for them in Monaco whose mission is to make them even richer. But the actual Monegasques themselves? Most are just ordinary people, who by an accident of geography just happen to be born within the wealthiest principality in the world.
The person who told me that story is Charles Leclerc, and recently he achieved the ambition of his lifetime by winning his home Grand Prix in Monaco, on the same streets that he used to ride the bus to school (not all that long ago, in the overall scheme of things). His mother is a hairdresser, and his late father had an ordinary management job and, until this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, Charles had never even been on the Monaco podium despite six seasons of trying.
Winner Charles Leclerc. Credit - Mediaworld
But Monaco is a place that’s full of surprises: there’s another Monegasque motorsport personality who is already a nine-time champion. Daniel Elena, who retired in 2021, was Sebastien Loeb’s co-driver on the World Rally Championship, hitting unprecedented heights of success. His father worked at the famous Casino, watching on as millions of dollars were casually won and lost over the course of just a single evening. Because Monaco is more than just a territory; it’s a symbol of prestige, glamour, and plutocracy, which is why Heuer chose the name for their iconic square watch in the early 1970s.
More than 50 years later, what is now the TAG Heuer Monaco has been through many different iterations. But it’s only been this year that the ultimate Monaco was finally revealed at Watches and Wonders, and at the Monaco Grand Prix a personalised version of it was presented by TAG Heuer CEO Julien Tornare to Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. What makes this latest Monaco very special is the fact that it’s a rattrapante; in other words, a split seconds chronograph, which is pretty fundamental when it comes to motorsport timing. In many ways, it’s a slight surprise that it took so long to materialise.
Verstappen is presented with his custom TAG Heuer Monaco. Credit - TAG Heuer
Beaufort Racing Badalassi Carlo Minerva Box Leather Perforated Watch Strap - Olive Green
- Regular price
- £68.00
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- £68.00
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- £18.00
- Regular price
-
£68.00 - Sale price
- £18.00
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- £18.00
- Regular price
-
£68.00 - Sale price
- £18.00
- Unit price
- per
The star-studded TAG Heuer evening took place aboard the Le Bougainville ship, anchored in the Port of Monaco throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. In what has now become a tradition, Verstappen was presented with a one-of-a-kind watch the night before the race to mark the latest instalment in his roll call of achievements.
The special watch features special details that tell the story of Verstappen's career. On the 9 o’clock subdial, the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 are marked with stars; commemorating his world championship seasons. At 3 o’clock, Verstappen’s well-known lion head logo is displayed, along with his name. Last but certainly not least, the champion’s number '1' is coloured in red, which is also the number that Verstappen races with. On the back of the watch, if there was ever any doubt about the matter, you’ll find the engraving: 'World Champion – Max Verstappen.'
As for the home hero Charles Leclerc, he also had some big watch news to celebrate, alongside his win. The Ferrari driver – a well-known enthusiast – was recently announced as an investor in Chrono 24, underlining his passion for collecting watches.
Chrono24 Founder Tim Stracke with new investor Charles Leclerc. Credit - Mediaworld
Leclerc, who has invested in Chrono24 together with his older brother, said:
“The watch world has captivated for a long time, as one of my many passions. There’s a real unity between watch lovers all over the world, and my brother and I are excited to be an ever-deeper part of that community through our investment involvement in Chrono24.”
So, if you ever fancy getting your hands on some special watches previously owned by Leclerc in future, at least now you know the best place to go looking…
