In the realm of horology, the term “iconic” is frequently bandied about, often referring to timepieces that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Among these, the TAG Heuer Monaco line, with its distinctive square casing, stands out as a beacon of design innovation. This wasn’t always the case, though.
History
When it first debuted in 1969 under the Heuer brand, it was met with moderate success and was soon replaced by a new model in 1974. This successor, the Heuer Silverstone, was short-lived, but its unique design and history make it a fascinating piece of the brand’s legacy.
The Heuer Silverstone was introduced as part of a design refresh by Heuer and other Chronomatic Group brands. It took the square profile of the Monaco and refined it, replacing the sharp edges with smooth curves and simplifying the design. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the Silverstone didn’t fare much better in the market than its predecessor.
Tag Heuer Silverstone
However, it found favor among motorsport enthusiasts, including Swiss-born Ferrari Formula One driver and Heuer ambassador Clay Regazzoni. By the late ’70s, the Silverstone was phased out, only to be revived in 2010 to celebrate TAG Heuer’s 150th anniversary.
The 2010 TAG Heuer Silverstone, one of only 1,860 produced in this colorway, is a faithful recreation of the 1974 original. The stainless steel case design is nearly identical, and while it is larger than the Monaco, it carries a similar wrist presence. The case’s unique design, featuring a lugless square case and concave surfacing, gives it a visually pleasing heft without being overly bulky.
The caseback is the most significant departure from the original, featuring a limited edition engraving and a sapphire display window that showcases the beautifully decorated movement within. The Silverstone’s dial is clean and streamlined, yet rich in detail. The chapter ring is finished in a glossy metallic chestnut brown, and the main dial surface is a matching brown sunburst. The dial’s simplicity is balanced by the use of a neutral white tone for the text and the straight sword handset. The result is a design that feels both luxurious and refined.
The 2010 TAG Heuer Silverstone uses the Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement, a reliable and robust module that is easier to maintain and repair than its predecessor. The movement’s finishing is visually appealing, featuring broad perlage for the bridges and Côtes de Genève for the cutout rotor. The watch is paired with a third-party leather strap to preserve the original alligator leather strap, but it retains the original Heuer shield deployant clasp.
This small detail, while not accurate to the ’70s original, enhances the watch’s overall appeal. The 2010 TAG Heuer Silverstone serves as a testament to the allure of the unconventional. While it’s tempting to stick to the well-trodden path of iconic timepieces, there’s a wealth of fascinating, overlooked options waiting to be discovered. The Silverstone is one such gem, a shining example of the rewards that await those who dare to venture beyond the familiar. tagheuer.com
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