The movement brings the second notable difference: the sub-dial layout of the square dial comprises a 30-minute chronograph counter at 9 and a running seconds sub-dial at 3 – the original in 1969 had 12-hour and 30-minute counters respectively, with no running seconds anywhere on the watch. Once again, a minor difference that only the most hardcore fans would notice – while the added “animation” from the sweeping hand of the running seconds at 3 is, once again, a welcome modification.

The new TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 dial is more than handsome: in its deep, albeit a bit faded, non-metallic shade of blue, it gets really close to the original – previous versions of the blue-dialed Monaco from 2003 and 2010 featured shiny, metallic blue dials which looked the part, but were a departure from the original. The central hands, as noted above, now feature orange-red lines in their center with polished edges – a really neat combination with the 5-minute markers of the same color around the circular minute track.

The logo on the dial of the new-for-2015 TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 says Monaco and features the vintage Heuer logo – omitting the TAG part of it, being historically accurate with the original from some 46 years ago. TAG came into the picture only much later, in 1985, when the Techniques d’Avant Garde private holding company with stakes in aviation and motorsports industry-related companies, purchased a majority stake in Heuer.

Even the “Swiss Made” text is where it should be, above the square date aperture at 6 – although the original just said Swiss, TAG today felt inclined to spell it all out for you. Despite such extremely minor differences in the fine print section, the 2015 version does stellar work at replicating the charm and easy elegance of the racing-inspired dial of the original.

The case of the TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 measures 39 by 39 millimeters – that is one millimeter over the original and the 1,000-piece tribute from 2009. Beyond mere dimensions, the case replaces the rounded pushers of the original with square-shaped ones, adds larger lugs, and features a raised sapphire crystal on the front.

While it may look simple at first, the square-ish cushion shaped case, the sharp, completely vertical case profile, the stubby, defined lugs, and the instantly noticeable crown and pusher placement all make the Monaco stand out from the rest – while the raised sapphire crystal really is just the icing on the cake. The case feels and looks robust and yet also elegant and, if we may say so, relevant today in its unusual way. Attached to the steel case is a perforated calfskin strap with a deployant buckle, sporting the vintage Heuer logo for that added bit of vintage flair.

It took 46 years for TAG Heuer to get so close to essentially re-releasing the original Monaco – as there is no real visual difference – but in 2015, that is exactly what has happened. If you want the charm of the original Calibre 11, you will have to go vintage – but go with the new, and enjoy the better quality materials, beautiful execution, arguably greater long-term reliability, and the fact that you can put the miles on it yourself.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 CAW211P should have just recently started hitting stores worldwide with a more-than-tempting price of $5,550. tagheuer.com