175
Heuer
Ref. 74033
Monaco "Dark Lord"
An extremely rare and well-preserved square shaped black-coated stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial and date
- Estimate
- CHF35,000 - 70,000€36,400 - 72,900$40,000 - 80,000
CHF50,800
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Heuer
- Year
- Circa 1975
- Reference No
- 74033
- Case No
- 256'338
- Model Name
- Monaco "Dark Lord"
- Material
- Black-coated stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 7740, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Corfam
- Clasp/Buckle
- Black-coated stainless steel Heuer buckle
- Dimensions
- 38mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by red Heuer presentation box
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Monaco was the model used by Heuer to present its groundbreaking newly developed automatic chronograph movement in 1969: the Caliber 11. Its distinctive square shape case made it easily recognizable and became famous thanks to style-icon and actor Steve McQueen wearing the watch in the movie "Le Mans" in 1971.
In 1975, Heuer introduced a very special iteration of the model with the Monaco “Dark Lord”. It was initially believed that the timepiece never made it past the prototype stage, but according to Jack Heuer between 100-200 examples have been produced - research suggests that less than 30 are still in existence today.
The dial design is very similar to initial Monaco, reference 1133, with the same two registers for hour/minutes and date window at 6 o'clock but the present black version showcases a sportier look with bright orange hands for the chronograph and white luminous hands for the hour hands. The Monaco "Dark Lord" is not PVD coated as many ought to believe but is actually "black-coated" stainless steel.
The present example is in excellent overall condition and features all the highlights of the classic design. The case and reference numbers are present between the lugs. Interestingly, the reference numbers engraved between the lugs bear a typo that the brand confirms as being correct. The numbers engraved are 740303 but the official reference remains 74033.
This is an extremely well-preserved example of an important and iconic timepiece and a clever addition to any watch collection.
In 1975, Heuer introduced a very special iteration of the model with the Monaco “Dark Lord”. It was initially believed that the timepiece never made it past the prototype stage, but according to Jack Heuer between 100-200 examples have been produced - research suggests that less than 30 are still in existence today.
The dial design is very similar to initial Monaco, reference 1133, with the same two registers for hour/minutes and date window at 6 o'clock but the present black version showcases a sportier look with bright orange hands for the chronograph and white luminous hands for the hour hands. The Monaco "Dark Lord" is not PVD coated as many ought to believe but is actually "black-coated" stainless steel.
The present example is in excellent overall condition and features all the highlights of the classic design. The case and reference numbers are present between the lugs. Interestingly, the reference numbers engraved between the lugs bear a typo that the brand confirms as being correct. The numbers engraved are 740303 but the official reference remains 74033.
This is an extremely well-preserved example of an important and iconic timepiece and a clever addition to any watch collection.
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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