Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: 1133B Case No: 161'022 Model Name: Monaco Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 11, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer pin buckle Dimensions: 45.5mm Length, 44mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Heuer fitted box
Catalogue Essay
With its avant-garde case, the Heuer Monaco has always been associated with the Golden Age of chronograph watches of the 1960s and 70s. Designed by Jack Heuer and released in 1969, it was named after the famed Formula One racetrack, and worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 classic film Le Mans. Steve McQueen then gifted his watch to his personal mechanic before it made its way to the auction market in 2020 where it was sold for a record breaking $2.2 Million during the Phillips Racing Pulse auction in New York , making it the most expensive Heuer ever to be sold.
The present example of Heuer’s legendary chronograph is preserved in mint condition, still retaining the original Heuer sticker on the caseback. It also comes with its original presentation box, typical pierced leather bracelet and period steel Heuer buckle. Since the re-launch of the Monaco on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, the original Monaco has gained again huge popularity. However, no re-edition can ever meet the original.
This superb example ticks all the boxes for passionate collectors, with its seductive design, wearability, rarity, and near-perfect condition.
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.