Heuer Monaco

With its unmistakable square-case shape, large proportions, and memorable tie to Steve McQueen - the original King Of Cool - the Monaco epitomizes 1960s Heuer chronographs.  Launched in 1969, the original Monaco Reference 1133 was powered by the legendary Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement, which we have covered in depth on these pages many times before. While the Calibre 11 was also used in the Carrera and Autavia, the Monaco is without question its most distinctive application. Popular with racers and enthusiasts alike, the Monaco reached mythical status on the wrist of Steve McQueen, who selected it as part of the attire of his character Michael Delaney in the 1972 racing film, Le Mans. According to Hodinkee's review of the original Monaco, when McQueen was consulting with the prop-master of the film, Don Nunely, and a stunt driver, Formula 1 legend Jo Siffert (who has eponymous Heuer chrono of his own), McQueen pointed to Siffert and said, "I want to look like that." McQueen's costume, the white jumpsuit with blue and red stripes and the Heuer logo prominently on the breast was a nod to Siffert's own uniform; and the selection of a Heuer chronograph thus cemented the association with McQueen and the Monaco.  Available here is a reference 1133 "G" (Grey Dial), and dates back to the early 1970s.  Grey dial versions are less common than the better-known blue examples, and in our opinion, better-looking. This particular example is a survivor, with a strong case and an untouched original dial that shows some signs of aging and wear, giving it a unique character. A tremendous value and a strong racing heritage - coupled with its original papers - makes this Monaco hard to pass up!