Heuer Monaco

It doesn’t take a Heuer fan to recognize the “McQueen”. The Monaco 1133B is easily the most recognizable Heuer and probably one of the easiest watches to spot from a mile away. When Steve McQueen was presented a table full of Heuers to wear while filming Le Mans, the Monaco was the one to catch is eye, and it’s easy to see why.

With its unmistakable square-case shape, blue dial and memorable tie to the original King of Cool, the Monaco is the epitome of iconic, and on the wish list of every car nut on the planet. If you’re searching for "the real deal," look no further.

Launched in 1969, the original Monaco was powered by the legendary Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement, the first of its kind. Popular with racers and enthusiasts alike from its launch, the watch reached mythical status on the wrist of every guy's secret man-crush, Steve McQueen, who selected it as part of the attire of his character Michael Delaney in the 1972 racing film, Le Mans. (Side Note: if you haven't seen this film, make it your number one priority in life!). The connection between Heuer and McQueen was forever cemented, and the Monaco lives on today in a modernized form (See HERE).

This example of the 1133B dates back to the early 1970s, and is in excellent original condition. While many Monacos have been damaged or destroyed by “gasket melt” (where the rubber gasket between the crystal and case literally melted into a black goo), this example has a well preserved dial in original condition. The case has also fared well over the years, and retains its original finish and sharp lines. 

Of course Monacos look fantastic on leather straps, but there’s no denying how cool they look on a vintage bracelet. Heuer used the Swiss company Novavit to supply Monaco bracelets and endlinks, and while some were signed by Heuer and some by Novavit (like this on), they’re all identical and equally awesome.

Today the Heuer market is on fire, with collectors going crazy for Autavias, Carreras on Camaros, but the original Heuer heavyweight was the Monaco 1133B. A decade ago the Heuer community was a small fringe group, but the 1133B managed to stand out, and you could spot them at vintage Rolex get-togethers sitting on the table next to a gaggle of Newmans. There’s no vintage watch quite like it, and you don’t have to be a Heuer fan to appreciate it. 

If you want a vintage chrono that is the ne plus ultra of 1970s sports watch design, the Monaco is your watch.