Heuer

***Unpolished*** 1970s Heuer Monaco (Ref. 1133B) "Steve McQueen" W/ Box and Papers

The Heuer Monaco is one of the most iconic designs ever to have come from the Heuer brand. The Monaco is a timepiece that is closely associated with racing, as well as the actor Steve McQueen who wore the Heuer 1133B in the iconic and classic 1971 racing film Le Mans.
1970s Heuer Monaco (Ref. 1133B) "Steve McQueen" W/ Box and Papers

The Heuer Monaco reference 1133 was part of a trio of watches that Heuer introduced in the year 1969 to house their then-new line of automatic chronograph movements. Heuer in joint partnership with Hamilton, Breitling, Buren, and Dubois-Depraz created and introduced the caliber 11 movements in 1969 to develop the first automatic chronograph movement. The Monaco was a completely new line for Heuer and was created more as a design-oriented watch than the Autavia and Carrera watches that also featured tachymeter scales on them, the Monaco became immortalized as a racing watch when Steve McQueen selected it to use in his film Le Mans. He happened to choose a reference 1133B (“B” for the blue or “bleu” dial). 

Interestingly, the design of the original Monaco was actually not appreciated until much more recent times. The watch had very poor sales results when it was first introduced and was seen as a failure by the Heuer brand, resulting in a small production run from 1969-1975. Today, the Monaco is revered as being one of the most advanced watches of its time both stylistically and mechanically marking it as an icon of design. 

Stock # HUR1133B
Brand Heuer
Style Chronograph
Model Monaco
Serial 160XXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless
Dial Blue
Millimeters 40mm
Strap Heuer "NSA" Stainless Steel Bracelet

 

CASE & BRACELET

The uniquely designed square case remains in flawless and sharp original condition showing the original factory finishing which remains in unpolished condition. The pushers and "Heuer" signed crown remain original to the watch. The acrylic crystal remains original to the watch and shows little signs of wear. The original and rare NSA bracelet is a true work of art and remains tight while retaining all of its original links.

DIAL & HANDS

The beautiful high visibility matte blue dial is in excellent condition. The lume plots have aged to a lovely yellow coloration, under U.V. light inspection the 2, 3, and 6 o'clock markers exhibit some degradation the rest of the markers remain fully intact. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly, under U.V. light inspection the minute hand shows minor lume loss, the hour hand exhibits no degradation.

ACCESSORIES 

The watch comes complete with its original box and guarantee paper. The watch is functions and keeping time flawlessly, the previous service history is unknown.