42
Heuer
Ref. 74033N
Monaco “Dark Lord”
A very rare and unusual square shaped PVD-coated stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial and date.
- Estimate
- CHF25,000 - 50,000
CHF62,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Heuer
- Year
- Circa 1975
- Reference No
- 74033N
- Model Name
- Monaco “Dark Lord”
- Material
- PVD coated stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 7740, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Heuer buckle
- Dimensions
- 38mm length x 40mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The black PVD Heuer Monaco Reference 74033N (N for noir – black in French), nicknamed the “Dark Lord” by collectors, is a rather mythical watch. Some have seen photos but very few have held one.
The Monaco was first launched in 1969 and was the first square-cased waterproof chronograph. Nevertheless, sales were not up to par with expectations and it seems that in a last effort to save this model, it was decided to make a black PVD model. According to Jack Heuer, the idea came to him after he had seen the King of Spain wearing a black watch.
A very small run of these black PVD Monacos were made in the mid 1970s and it remains uncertain if they were production pieces or prototypes. Accordingly, this reference never made it into a catalogue.
Visually speaking, the simple and clean design is one of the most striking ones seen on any wristwatch thanks to the superbly contrustuous colors: black for the background, white for the time indication hands, and a bright orange hand for the chronograph function.
So exceptional is the present lot, it is featured prominently in Richard Crosthwaite’s “Heuer Monaco – Design Classic” reference book. Stating that the present example of the Heuer Monaco 74033N is desirable is an understatement. This watch is over 40 years old, yet looks as if it just left the Heuer ateliers yesterday. It is in absolutely pristine condition and the black PVD coating shows no signs of wear.
The Monaco was first launched in 1969 and was the first square-cased waterproof chronograph. Nevertheless, sales were not up to par with expectations and it seems that in a last effort to save this model, it was decided to make a black PVD model. According to Jack Heuer, the idea came to him after he had seen the King of Spain wearing a black watch.
A very small run of these black PVD Monacos were made in the mid 1970s and it remains uncertain if they were production pieces or prototypes. Accordingly, this reference never made it into a catalogue.
Visually speaking, the simple and clean design is one of the most striking ones seen on any wristwatch thanks to the superbly contrustuous colors: black for the background, white for the time indication hands, and a bright orange hand for the chronograph function.
So exceptional is the present lot, it is featured prominently in Richard Crosthwaite’s “Heuer Monaco – Design Classic” reference book. Stating that the present example of the Heuer Monaco 74033N is desirable is an understatement. This watch is over 40 years old, yet looks as if it just left the Heuer ateliers yesterday. It is in absolutely pristine condition and the black PVD coating shows no signs of wear.
Literature
Heuer
Swiss | 1860This iconic chronograph manufacturer has a long tradition of precision timekeeping. As early as 1882, founder Edouard Heuer held a patent for a chronograph watch; in 1887, he received a patent for an oscillating pinion, which is still in use today. These specialized timepieces have been at the heart of the firm's success, enabling the brand to be chosen as early timekeepers for the Olympics. In 1969, the company introduced their first automatic chronograph watch, the Monaco Heuer, which celebrated the Monaco Grand Prix. Other key chronograph models include the Autavia and the Carrera, all of which having become iconic models of the firm.
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