Heuer Monaco 1533G

The Heuer Monaco is quite simply one of the most iconic chronographs ever produced.

Perhaps the only vintage Heuer model to have stood the collective test of time, the Monaco is still being produced today in relatively unchanged form, despite the fact that when it was introduced it was a slow seller. That changed when Steve McQueen strapped one on the wrist of his character Michael Delaney in the 1971 film Le Mans - and since then the watch has reached levels of popularity matched by very few other historical timepieces.

While the "McQueen" variant with a blue dial may be the first version to come to mind, they were also produced in a variety of gray and silver dials in limited numbers, which are far less common finds on the market today. These versions do not command the same premiums as their blue dialed brethren, but in our eyes are every bit as alluring - perhaps even more so. Essentially, these versions are a great way to get into a proper vintage Monaco without selling a kidney!

This particular example is a Reference 1533G and features the Heuer Calibre 15, originally designed to be a "budget version" of the Calibre 11 movement from the late 1960s. This revised movement replaced the 12 Hour Register typically found at 9:00 with a subsidiary sweep seconds hand, letting the wearer know with a quick glance that the watch was keeping time. It also features a 30 Minute Counter at 3:00 and a date function at 6:00. With a large red central sweep chrono hand, this movement proves to be every bit as functional (we'd even argue moreso with the subsidiary seconds) than its Calibre 11 counterparts.

Overall, this is a fantastic example of one of the world's most desirable sporting chronographs that doesn't show up often, and makes one hell of a statement on the wrist. With appreciation and market values for vintage Heuer chronographs on the rise, it is quite likely these models won't remain priced as low as they are for much longer.

So, strap on this stunning "budget" Monaco, hop in your Porsche 917, and blast down the Mulsanne Straight as God (and Jack) intended.