When J-C Babin took over in late 2000, he set in place a strategy to push TAG Heuer up market. Designing new models would take some time, so the immediate solution? Make Gold versions of existing models. In fact, most series gain a solid gold model...or two. Alter Ego Gold 2000 Gold Monaco Gold Monza Gold Autavia Gold Of these, my favourites are these two- simple silver dials with gold cases and black straps...that Monza in particular is amazing.
In my opinion, the Alter Ego never reached the market. The 2000 gold version looked quite good. But to me it is a contradiction to wear it in salt water. The 2000 always was the "working class hero." It's like driving a car with golden wheels in winter on salty roads.I read that Rolex did a lot of research to find out that salt water damageded rose gold. For those who need red gold while swimming/diving, it's their own decision. With the Monza Calibre 36 things are different: A high-end mechanical movement in a high-end case. I think, nobody would have taken it into extreme situations. So JC Babin not was on a bad way..
Yes, I found a couple last night. What I didn't like from the Monza Calibre 36 Gold was the colour of the dial in the press shots... a sort of grey/ green. Good news is that the real watch looks amazing and is a clean white dial. Still good value too! (Seem to be priced at USD6-7k)