It’s a Sunday morning, so start the engine and get ready for a nice weekend drive. The question is, what is the racing chronograph today? Two proposals head straight for this Sunday morning showdown. The microphone pick is the classic TAG Heuer Monaco chronograph in titanium x Gulf Coast. This lightweight version of Monaco came too far forward to celebrate the iconic Gulf colouring. Jorg’s pick is the Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”. This lightweight version of the Black Bay Chronograph also debuted earlier this year. This watch was inspired by the colouring of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 team. This Sunday morning showdown is a battle between old school and new school. Let’s get started!
This week’s Racing Chronograph Battle comes a week before the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at the famous Zandbo Art Circuit. One of today’s candidates may be seen on the wrist of one of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 team drivers. The Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is a completely redesigned and redesigned carbon version of the Black Bay Chrono. It is offered for 7,460 euros and makes it one of the most expensive Tudor products. Tag Heuer Compete against the latest version of Monaco Chronograph x Gulf. This iconic lightweight version of Monaco proudly wears the classic Gulf logo with instantly recognizable blue and orange stripes. This latest Monaco Gulf edition is more expensive at 9,400 euros. Now, Mike and Jorg each finished to explain why his picks are superior among the two.
Last week, Sunday morning showdown…
But first, let’s take a quick look back at last week’s fight. Among them, IWC Ingenieur came on top against Chopard’s Alpine Eagle. The modern version of Gérald Genta’s famous Ingenieur won 56% of votes against 44% of Alpine Eagle. A quick browsing of comments revealed that people seem to enjoy the clean looks of IWC and the more dressed-up look of Chopard with textured dials and Roman numbers. The margins were relatively small, but that was a clear victory for Ingenieur. Find out if today’s matchup is even closer.
Jorg: Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
This Sunday morning, for me, confession is straightforward. I was not a fan of the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” to begin with. My first impression was that it looked gimmick. To be fair, this full carbon version of Black Bay Chrono does not incorporate any visual design language other than the VCARB F1 team logo or team color, so this is not the case. Still, that was my first question. This combination of bright white, blue and red is not just a combination of colours for me. At least that’s what I thought. When I visited the Rolex and Tudor offices a few months ago, I had the first chance to wear it and witness it up close.
I initially thought it was too big and bright for me, but I was seriously surprised at how sophisticated this watch actually is. Certainly, the colour alone does not become understated by the spread of imagination. However, the refinement of the dial is pretty impressive in real life. Furthermore, as Thomas explained in his practical review, the newly developed carbon fiber case is much dim and has a three-dimensional look than comparable products from other brands. The combination of both makes this watch much better than I originally thought.
New carbon fiber case from Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
Let’s start with this Black Bay Chrono Tudors’ biggest tour deforce. The brand has completely redesigned and redesigned the carbon case. It still looks like a Black Bay Chrono, but this new lightweight version works very well at slightly different rates.
Tudor designers have increased the size to 42mm compared to the stainless steel version of 41mm. Additionally, the case is very slightly slimmer, with a normal model of 14.3mm and 14.4mm. The case features an integrated tachymeter bezel and a water resistance rating of 200m. The crown, pusher and case back are made of titanium and feature a black PVD coating, matching the black case.
Inside the case is a dial inspired by the colors of the VCARB F1 team. The White Opaline dial is a super crisp background for pop blue and red details. As you can see, the bright blue outer ring and the racing style blue fine instant track contrast well with the white oparin dial.
The logo and text are printed in the same bright blue, but the depth rating is printed in bright red with a pop of colour. This latter detail corresponds to the red tip of the hand of the central chronograph. The hand and applied index are black with white Super Luminova. Finally, the two subdials and the date window frame are also performed with carbon fiber.
Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” dial takes time to get used to it
More blue comes in the form of stitching on hybrid rubber leather straps with case matching carbon end links. This strap gives the watch a stylish look, but adds more blue to the mix. The white and blue oparin combination is a rather bright contrast that I had to get used to. This was a lot because I tend to like darker and more saturated colors than very lighter colors. From the second I picked it up, I was seriously impressed from the surprise that I was seriously impressed in a few seconds.
The Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is extremely lightweight and is much more refined than I originally thought. As a result, it left a lasting impression as soon as it was placed on the wrist. Thanks to its reduced size and proportions, it is extremely wearable. It’s this incredible comfort that’s much easier to wear than the TAG HEAER MONACO. I was surprised by the Titanium Monaco Chronograph Racing Green, but it still doesn’t match the comfort of the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”.
COSC Certified Tudor MT5813
In terms of movement, I also prefer Tudor’s chronometer certified MT5813. This automatic caliber is based on the Breitling B01 with post wheels and silicone balance springs. It operates at 28,800VPH and offers a 70-hour power reserve. Tudor tested the MT5813 and runs with accuracy of -2 to +4 seconds per day. If you ask me, it’s a better choice than the Sellita-based caliber of the tag Heuer with the added Dubois-Dépraz module. The result is a sandwich with Monaco’s chunky-making movement than the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”, with no performance matching the MT5813. Certainly, it keeps the classic Monaco configuration intact, but it may also be where the problem lies.
The Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is a modern racing chronograph in every sense, from newly developed cases to calibers and even comfortable straps. Monaco looks like a racing chronograph that has been stuck in the past, not only in terms of its colouring, but also in terms of its technology. I understand the emotions behind the link between Tag Heuer and Historical Oil and Gas Company, but I don’t feel as relevant or advanced as Tudor. Knowing that choosing the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” will save you money, this week’s choice will be easier for me.
Microphone: Tagheuer Monaco Chronograph x Bay
Today’s matchup between the Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” and the Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph and the Bayshore is tough. Frankly, Tudor may get away with it, but this is why we play the game. Darrell Waltrip likes to say, “Boogies, Boogies, Boogies! Let’s Go Racing’, Boogies!”
Let’s sum up some basic facts. Both chronographs are large, thick and limited. The Tudor clocks at 42mm x 50.8mm, making it a very large slab on the wrist. That carbon construction is definitely useful, but let’s not confuse this chronograph with its distant relative, Rolex Daytona. Inside, the watch has some great movement, but that’s a caliber borrowed from Breitling. That’s not a drawback, especially with COSC ratings and 70 hours of power reserves. Still, I’d love to see Tudor introduce an in-house version that reduces the thickness from the reported 14.3mm. With 2,025 pieces produced to celebrate the sponsorship of Red Bull’s second F1 team brand, we’ll see how these are being sold. Thankfully, co-branding is left to the caseback.
Return to tag
In Monaco, there is no question about joint partners. Tag Heuer was here before on the Gulf Coast, but it’s not like this. The watch has a bright silvery white dial lined with familiar orange and blue stripes running on the right. Afterwards, one of the race’s most famous sponsors, the Gulf Coast, has its logo under the central pinion.
This explanation brings to mind the word “kitsch.” But this is probably the cleanest ode for the brand’s participation in the film Le Mans. The black details are crisp and instrumental, which helps the watch avoid cartoon comparisons.
Blasted titanium case
This Monaco has a Grade 2 Titanium case, 39mm wide and 47.44mm lug to lug, which makes it a little less than carbon 25. Returning to the case material, the use of the blasted surface reflects an instrument-like dial with a nonsense look. Certainly, carbon is lighter and perhaps more exotic, but titanium is not leaning forward. Both are widely used in race cars. Furthermore, from my perspective, titanium has a more traditional look and strikes me as more wearable.
Another fun addition to Monaco is the white Nomex strap. Honestly, it’s a bad move. The use of flame delayed materials appears to be obvious, and we are surprised that it has not been offered up to this point. For those worried about staining a washable fabric, it includes a blue perforated leather strap with orange stitching. Finally, the bold push button titanium buckle, shaped as the iconic Heuer shield, will perfect your watch.
The movement is not surprising
The Monaco is a thick nugget with a thickness of 15mm, which is somewhat historically comparable to the original Calibre 11 model. However, the latest Caliber 11 automatic is a different modular automatic movement. It is a Sellita SW300-1 based with the Dubois-Dépraz Chronograph module and has a 40-hour power reserve. I recognize Tudor territory more than the athletic department tag. However, a sacrificed was made to buy the famous look of the crown on the right and the pusher on the left for the watch.
Time to choose
Tag Hoyer’s Monaco has a relatively large premium over Tudor. At 9,400 euros, this version is almost 2,000 euros more than the carbon 25. However, only 971 pieces are available for sale, but they are far more limited. For me, it’s a more attractive and special watch, but as always, I only have one vote. It’s time to choose these racing-inspired chronographs. Would you like to choose a lightweight modern model or a retro-injected collaboration with a blasted metal case? Please feel free to let us know why you voted and chose the winner of the race.
Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf Coast vs. Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
