Abel Court just launched a limited edition black Monaco. His interpretation of the first TAG Heuer Monaco from 1997, the CS2110. Each original CS2110 has been completely disassembled and refinished before a black PVD treatment. Before PVD all parts have been detailed and sandblasted by hand to create the desired matt black effect. The original calibres ETA 2894-2, later branded Calibre 17, have undergone a full service. All parts are original or NOS TAG Heuer. The hands have been replaced by NOS Chronomatic Heuer hands from the '70s, keeping their original colour and tritium. Each watch received a NOS plexi. All dials are original to the watches with original lume plots. The reference and individual numbers remain fully visible on the caseback. Abel has additionally numbered each watch on the inside of the caseback, fitting for a watchmaker. The watches are accompanied with a custom black rally strap with orange lining and orange stitching. A custom orange leather nato style strap also comes with the watch. Each buyer will have the option to buy additional orange calfskin or aligator straps, specially made for this watch. The watches are delivered in a black leather watch roll with orange pouches. The black Monaco is issued as a limited edition of 9 pieces, all handmade by Abel Court. Only the PVD coating is done by a specialized company. Price: 7.800 euro. More information here
Would have loved to see a number on the outer case too, just so it's clear when looking at it that it's the one done by Abel and not someone else. Very very cool though, I doubt I can afford it right now but have to see!
I get your point…but that is just something I didn’t want. There is a personalised number on the watch and there will be an accompanying booklet with that watch with very specific photos. Also linked to the limited number on the caseback obviously.
Love that! Regarding external numbering, an orange number only on the specific date wheel would have been cool and very subtle.
Obviously I didn't "handmade" these watches...but you get the point...all I did was a simple modification...but takes a lot of time and dedication to get things "right"...
Now this is something I definitely will try out on my own example in near future...if nice...you'll be the first to know here...and I already know what the next question will be from @Yago
Is there any link with @Monaco_Lover 's Dark Lord homage project that he embarked on last year? When I first saw the post on IG I thought it was him only highlighting his watch. Seems kind of a rip-off if a personal project was seen as an "inspiration" for commercial gains without @Monaco_Lover 's acknowledgement. https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/...roject-help-needed.148277/page-2#post-2065846
‘Rip-off’ is strong wording and suggest at the very least knowledge about @Monaco_Lover ‘s project. When I got up to speed about Abel’s project the prototype was ready, 99% in current form. I held it in my hand and was blown away buy it. He had been conceptualizing for a long time. How long you would have to ask him. I knew about @Monaco_Lover ’s project and showed a picture to Abel. He was surprised but also amused. I love both projects but it’s definitely possible that two distinct projects starts from the same basic idea without knowledge from one another. These are two black Monacos originating from the CS2110 but that’s where the comparison ends. @Monaco_Lover ’s is a dark lord hommage, Abel’s isn’t. The design concept, process and execution are very different.
And that's exactly what I'm talking about. I'm not sure whether there is any connection between the 2 projects, but there should be atleast some acknowledgement for the original (or first) project executor's product. The two are different for sure - one is a personal project and the other is a commercial one. Unless you're a hype hunter, one would expect a professional service if they were purchasing a modded watch - and they are rightfully getting it through Abel's watches. I'm all for creative renditions and enthusiast backed pieces, but the only thing bothering me is the lack of courtesy for the original, fanboy project.
There wasn't any knowledge about the other project until completion of the prototype and therefore no inspiration. There is absolutely no connection between the two projects, they're also starkly different in concept, design and execution. I don't understand why there would have to be any sort of acknowledgement. @Monaco_Lover 's project is a great fan project and I wish more enthusiasts would take their passion this far. But it wasn't a catalyst for Abel's project. He has been doing black modifications of Heuer and Omega for years. His first endeavour was the 'Abeltavia' modification of the Viceroy Autavia, which received a lot of press in 2016, including from Hodinkee The very first low profile modifications dates from 2009, highlighted on OTD It's a project out of passion more than anything else. The time spent on envisioning and creating these watches is so immense it cannot be earned back by selling 9 pieces. We all know Abel's waiting list for service. He would have been better off financially spending this Monaco time on servicing vintage Heuers.