TAG Heuer created the Monaco, the square chronograph famously associated with Steve McQueen.
The watch was introduced in 1969 as the Heuer Monaco, named after the Monaco Grand Prix. Its unusual square, water-resistant case and blue dial gave it a distinctive appearance among contemporary chronographs. The model also used the Calibre 11, one of the earliest automatic chronograph movements.
The Monaco became strongly linked with Steve McQueen after he wore a version in the 1971 film Le Mans. Heuer branding was later incorporated into TAG Heuer after Techniques d’Avant Garde acquired Heuer in 1985. The model is therefore sometimes called the Heuer Monaco when discussing its original era and TAG Heuer Monaco when discussing later production.
The Monaco is not the same model as TAG Heuer’s Carrera, another motorsport-inspired chronograph. Its square case and left-side crown are among its most recognizable design features.