The greatest works found throughout human history are the product of true genius and genuine inspiration. Sometimes, they result from a singular effort. But often, it is a sum of feats that generates an unprecedented result — one which transcends and elevates itself and the artists who shaped it. In the field of watchmaking, it is this coordinated effort that Revolution recognizes with its Best Collaboration award.

Now, the issue is this: how do artists achieve their goals? The ingredients are there for all those who dare to manipulate them, but clearly, only a few see beyond the obvious to appreciate, understand and, eventually, transform them into something special. In the case of the TAG Heuer Monaco Bamford, those geniuses were Jean-Claude Biver, the recently retired CEO of TAG Heuer and captain of the LVMH watchmaking group, and George Bamford, founder of the Bamford Watch Department, the company that specializes in the customization of high-end watchmaking pieces.

The result of this innovative and high-tech TAG Heuer-Bamford collaboration — a partnership officially established in 2017 — is astonishing: a Monaco with a 39mm forged-carbon case that has been acidulated with angel-blue hues. The capricious, Pollock-like strokes signing each flat surface give each one of the 500 chronographs to be produced a unique organic character… as it should be since, well, it is carbon. As with all the other Monacos, inside the Monaco Bamford we find a contemporary evolution of the legendary caliber 11 that can be seen partially through the screwed caseback. On paper, the Monaco Bamford should not work, and yet it is a very desirable triumph.

The (TAG) Heuer Monaco is one of the most important chronographs in history and its list of achievements does not need additional arguments. However, the brilliant execution of this Bamford-flavored timepiece just wrote a new chapter that has enriched the Monaco’s fame and credentials, just a few months from it turning 50. No wonder the Bamford Monaco is so deserving of our award for the best collaborative effort of 2018.