There has long been a connection between luxury watches and professional sports. In 1932, Mercedes Gleitze became the first celebrity spokesperson ever for a watch brand when she began to promote Rolex watches. Since that time, watch companies have become involved in sponsoring various sporting events, including prominent soccer and tennis matches around the world.
However, it stands to reason that arguably the strongest association between chronographs and sporting events would come in the form of racing. Being that motorsports events are driven entirely by timing, as opposed to scoring, as in most sports, the importance of a reliable watch would be felt very prominently during those races.
In the 1970’s, luxury watch brands began to significantly tie their products to auto racing, especially where Le Mans and its various affiliate races were concerned. TAG Heuer would begin producing the TAG Heuer Monaco in 1969, a watch that would go on to make history for a number of reasons. It was the first automatic square-cased chronograph, but it is also remembered for its connection to a legendary Hollywood star.
Below, we will explore the history of the TAG Heuer Monaco, as well as its unique connection to Hollywood, and one of its biggest stars.
The Monaco Grand Prix
Seeing a unique promotional opportunity available to them, TAG Heuer would produce the first Monaco watch in 1969. It was meant to commemorate that year’s Monaco Grand Prix. The race takes place in late May or early June and has been run continuously since 1929.
It is widely considered to be one of the most important motorsports events in the world. Along with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it comprises what is known among racing fans as the “Triple Crown of Motorsport.”
A Unique Hollywood Connection to the TAG Heuer Monaco
The watch would prove to be fairly popular upon its initial release, but it would truly receive a boost in popularity two years late upon the release of the 1971 racing film Le Mans. While the film would prove critically successful and a modest financial success, it is remembered today for other reasons outside of those parameters.
Today, the film is remembered as being one of the last movies that starred the iconic actor and racecar driver Steve McQueen. In Le Mans, McQueen’s character is seen wearing the watch throughout various scenes in the film. This would result in the watch becoming a desirable collectible among watch collectors and racing fans alike
It is also worth noting, somewhat humorously, the connection between McQueen and this watch because of its connection to another Hollywood legend: Paul Newman. Though it was not public knowledge at the time, McQueen did not like Newman, though the two had worked together on several projects.
The reason for this is that the two actors were often compared to one another for a variety of different reasons. McQueen resented Newman not as a person, but for the constant comparisons, which he found annoying, as he was actively attempting to carve out his own identity on-screen. Were either of the actors still alive, it is reasonable to believe that both men would find it funny that, through no fault of their own, they had yet another connection via having their names tied to luxury watches.
The TAG Heuer Monaco would be reissued two times since its initial release – once in 1998, and again in 2003. The 2003 version would feature entirely new mechanisms within the watch. This particular piece remains one of TAG Heuer’s most popular watches among its loyal fan base.
What Separates Rubber B From Other Watch Straps?
Rubber B has become well-known as a highly respected crafter of custom rubber watch bands for timepieces from some of the most respected watchmakers in the field, including such brands as Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet. Rubber B has a variety of straps in different colors and styles in our product portfolio that are appropriate for both business/formal wear and more casual situations as well.
Every Rubber B custom rubber watch strap is made only from 100% vulcanized rubber, and all of our products are FDA and BVGG compliant as well.
Do You Need a Custom Rubber Watch Band For Your Luxury Watch? Visit Rubber B Today
Rubber B watch straps do not contain any coating, blends, or bonding, and each and every strap undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it meets quality control standards.
If you would like to learn more about our complete list of products, shipping policies, and pricing, or have questions about our custom rubber watch straps, please visit the Rubber B website today for more information. One of our valued team members will be happy to answer your inquiry in a timely manner.
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