The Swiss watchmaker used its presence at the race to launch the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Gulf Special Edition, plus a 50-piece limited edition of the Monaco Gulf
Le Mans, France, 15th June 2018 – On 29th September 1968, the Ford GT 40, sporting the orange and blue livery of Gulf Oil, achieved its first victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fifty years later, TAG Heuer, a partner of Gulf, is revisiting the famous race to celebrate this auspicious anniversary by launching the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Gulf Special Edition, as well as a 50-piece limited, engraved edition of the Monaco Gulf.
Two flagship models from the TAG Heuer collections bearing the legendary orange and blue of Gulf. TAG Heuer Formula 1 is the ultimate automotive model, synonymous with performance and speed. Entirely in steel and measuring 43 mm in diameter, this quartz chronograph features a notched steel bezel and an aluminium ring with a tachymeter scale. On the dial, one blue stripe and one orange stripe recall the model’s origins. The case-back is engraved with the Gulf logo. The movement is accurate to a tenth of a second – an indispensable feature in a motor racing watch – displayed on the small counter at 6 o’clock, with the minute counter at 9 o’clock and the current seconds counter at 3 o’clock. This model features a finely-crafted blue leather strap with orange stitching for a sporty, stylish look.
Technical details of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Gulf
References CAZ101N.FC8243
Movement Quartz
Case 43 mm in steel
Blue aluminium bezel with tachymeter scale
Sapphire crystal
Steel crown with PVD coating at 3 o’clock and push-buttons at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock
Screw-on case back in steel with engraved Gulf logo
Dial Blue “sunray”-effect with one light blue and one orange stripe
Blue/black flange with 60-second scale in lime essence
3 snailed silver counters with lacquered black and orange hand: second counter at 3 o’clock, 1/10 second counter at 6 o’clock and minute counter at 9 o’clock
Rhodium-plated and polished hour and minute hands and indexes with white
Super Luminova®
Lacquered orange second hand
TAG Heuer logo
Date window at 4 o’clock
Water resistance 200 metres
Strap In blue leather with orange stitching
Ardillon buckle in steel with TAG Heuer logo
To honour the 50th anniversary of Gulf’s first victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, TAG Heuer has launched a 50-piece special limited edition of the Monaco Gulf. The watch with the famous 39 mm square case and petroleum blue dial also bears the instantly recognisable colours of Gulf – blue and orange. On the back of the watch, Gulf’s anniversary emblem and the individual number XX/50.
Technical details of the Monaco Gulf 50th Anniversary
Reference CAW211T.FC6440
Movement TAG Heuer Calibre 11
Automatic chronograph with date window at 6 o’clock
Case Dimensions 39X39 mm.
Dial Blue sunray PVD dial with a light blue stripe and an orange stripe
Chronograph minute counter at 9 o’clock and current second counter at 3 o’clock
Rhodium-plated indices with red dot detail and white Super Luminova™
Sapphire case-back with the Gulf’s special anniversary logo and the piece’s serial number: XX/50
Water resistance 100 metres
Strap Black perforated calfskin with orange stitching and lining. Folding clasp in polished steel with HEUER shield
As a prelude to the celebrations in the days leading up to the race, TAG Heuer invited a number of guests to Monaco for an exclusive cocktail party among the Private Car Collection of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. The event was attended by the actor and brand ambassador, Patrick Dempsey, Honorary Chairman of TAG Heuer, Jack Heuer, and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, accompanied by her children, Pauline and Louis Ducruet, and Camille Gottlieb. Also in attendance were Sanjay Hinduja of Gulf Oil and Roald Goethe, owner of the ROFGO Collection. Guests were given the opportunity to visit the Circuit du Var in Le Luc and to get in a replica of the Ford GT 40 that first took victory 50 years ago.
