The watch gained significant recognition after Steve McQueen wore it in the 1971 film Le Mans, which, over time, has closely associated it with the actor.

Despite being phased out in the mid-1970s, the Monaco was reintroduced in 1998 with a redesigned appearance and again in 2003 with new mechanisms, reflecting a renewed interest in McQueen's legacy.

Years later, the watch became more famous in the 2008-2012 television drama series Breaking Bad, when drug kingpin Walter White, portrayed by actor Bryan Cranston, was gifted with one in the fifth season, which he wore until the final episode.

[2] Named in honor of the Formula One race,[3] the original Jack Heuer designed[4] Monaco was introduced simultaneously in Geneva and New York City[1] in 1969.

[8] His association with this model began when McQueen sought the advice of his friend Jo Siffert to increase the accuracy of his race car driver role.

At McQueen's request, Siffert lent him his racing suit which was adorned with Gulf Oil's colors and an embroidered "Chronograph HEUER" crest over the right breast.

The advisor was credited with returning McQueen and his company, Solar Productions Inc., into the black after they encountered financial problems during filming.

TAG Heuer capitalized on his continuing popularity by using film stills of McQueen wearing his Monaco watch in advertising campaigns.

The Monaco Vintage (CW2118), which was released in 2005 as a limited edition of 4000 watches to mark what would have been the 75th birthday of Steve McQueen.

The design was based on the driving suit worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 movie Le Mans.

The handset is carried over from the standard Calibre 11 Monaco (CAW211P), which means we have the slightly unusual combination of Orange hour markers and Red hands.

Unlike earlier models, the date dial was eliminated in favor of a third subdial powered by a Valjoux 7736 movement.

[25] Designed by Jean-François Ruchonnet with the help of independent master watchmaker Philippe Dufour, the watch is powered by four barrels storing 375 g of energy each, that is visible through the back.

[26] Named after its introduction year, the Monaco Sixty Nine was introduced at the same time as the re-engineered version at the 2003 BaselWorld.

[27][28] The watch was released in production in 2005 which it won the Le Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève prize.

[32] According to an announcement by Jean-Christophe Babin, president of TAG Heuer, the watch is also named after the fact that it can withstand an impact of 24,000G,[33] which is an equivalent to a 20 meter fall.

[34] The Monaco Calibre 6 does not feature a chronograph movement, is listed as Automatic Watch on the Tag Heuer website.

Running on a Calibre 6 automatic movement which it takes its name from, the watch features a small seconds counter that is seen at the 6 o'clock position.

[citation needed] To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the watch was re-issued as a Monaco Classic with a listed Calibre 11 movement on a limited edition basis of 1,000 in 2009.