Heuer - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips
  • 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
    Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in Heuer Monaco - Design Classic, Richard Crosthwaite, pg. 88

  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    Heuer

    Swiss • 1860

    This 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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Ref. 74033N
A very rare and unusual square shaped PVD-coated stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial and date.

Circa 1975
38mm length x 40mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 

Sold for CHF62,500

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016