One of TUDOR historic chronographs, reference 7169 – better known to aficionados as the TUDOR “Montecarlo” chronograph – is an absolute icon. Since its launch in 1973, it has been produced in a number of different versions, the most fascinating featured distinctive touches of blue, grey and orange. This rare, historic chronograph was produced for only a few years.

Today, it is greatly prized by collectors and is steadily increasing in value. To revitalize this legendary chronograph – imbued with the spirit of chic, sophisticated holiday destinations of the 1960s and 1970s, and reminiscent of carefree Mediterranean warmth and glamour – TUDOR has decided to reinterpret it and unveil the new TUDOR Heritage Chrono Blue.

Far from being merely a new version, the TUDOR Chrono Heritage Blue is a unique reinterpretation in which past, present and future converge in both time and style. While all the aesthetic codes that contributed to the recognition of the historic model remain – a synthesis of the original spirit of the timepiece and a faithful reproduction of its key characteristics – TUDOR’s Style Workshop has added many modern touches to update the iconic spirit of this watch and endow it with a timeless strength to make it “tomorrow’s icon”.

At a time when blue is “the new black”, the chromatic harmonies of blue, grey and orange suggest an undisputed modernity. The royal blue of the original model (1973) combines with a slightly lighter grey than that of the original to give birth to a watch as much at home in water as on land, radiating the Mediterranean spirit and its warmth.

Inspired by history, but completely redesigned, the dial now has three-dimensional hour markers with two bevelled metallic edges defining an area filled with SuperLuminova for a stronger image and optimal legibility. It also features two counters located inside two blue trapezoidal shapes, one at 3 o’clock for the small seconds hand, and one at 9 o’clock for the famous 45-minute counter that marked the history of TUDOR chronographs in the 1970s.

Waterproof to a depth of 150 metres (500 feet), the steel case, 42 mm in diameter (compared with 40 mm on the original) has a bidirectional bezel with a blue anodized aluminium insert. Under its sapphire crystal, it houses a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

The distinctive crown and pushers are knurled with a chrome finish. The crown is adorned with a blue lacquered shield.

As an additional refinement, TUDOR’s new Chrono Heritage Blue comes with two bracelets, one in steel with a folding clasp, the other in reinforced fabric with a buckle. The fabric strap – the outcome of cooperation with a firm still carrying on the age-old art of traditional weaving – echoes the characteristic colours of the dial and provides exceptional wearing comfort: an extra touch for a chronograph that takes its inspiration from history but makes an utterly contemporary statement.