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The TAG Heuer Monaco is one of the most instantly recognizable chronographs ever made—but its price and limited availability put it out of reach for most enthusiasts. If you’re drawn to the Monaco’s square case, racing pedigree, and motorsport swagger, Depancel’s Série R01 watch delivers the same adrenaline-charged vibe in an automatic, track-inspired package that costs a fraction of the original.
A square beyond compare, the TAG Heuer Monaco is an icon in the watch world. Back in 1969, Jack Heuer wanted something punchy for the launch of the recently Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement. So he tapped Erwin Piquerez to develop the first water-resistant square case. Thus, the Monaco was born.
Two years later, the watch would bank an abundance of hype on the wrist of Steve McQueen during the actor’s 1971 racing epic Le Mans. He selected the Monaco over the more conventional Autavia chronograph thanks to its distinctive and experimental design. Turns out it had all the right angles for the king of cool. Today, the Monaco is still one of the most noticeable watches around. Of course, it’s not cheap. The most affordable model starts at $7,950 and is sold out online.
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But fans should not despair. If you’ve got a limited budget or a dearth of patience, Depancel’s Série R01 offers a similar vibe to the quadrilateral chronograph for under $1,000. And it’s also a close match for this special edition TAG Heuer Monaco with its Gulf livery tribute, which is available, but for a wallet-busting $8,500.
The 43mm case features edges bevelled at 6 and 12 o’clock, smoothing out the ergonomics to better wrap the wrist. The top of the case is vertically brush finished to contrast the horizontal brushed and polished sides. The Série R01 dial is accented with a pair of racing stripes and vertical lines evoking vintage racing car air vents. The ha4nds are inspired by dashboard gauges, and the track-like indexes are coated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility in low-light conditions. Instead of traditional chronograph functionality, the Série R01’s sub-dials indicate day, month and 24-hour time. There’s also a date window between four and five o’clock.
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The watch is water resistant to 50 meters and powered by the Miyota 9120 automatic movement, with 40 hours of power reserve. An exhibition caseback offers a view of the movement and its oscillating weight etched with a radiator grille motif and the brand’s shield logo. The Série R01 comes in blue, white, and green variants. Each is available on racing black, racing brown, driving black and driving brown straps with either a pin buckle or a deployant closure.
