1970s Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
Why This Watch Matters
The combination of unique design, technical prowess, and historical significance makes the Monaco a true icon.
The Full Story
As part of a corporate coalition with Breitling, Dubois-Dépraz, and Hamilton-Buren, Heuer introduced one of the world's first automatic chronograph movements in 1969 with the caliber 11. Soon after, they updated two of their best-known collections, the Carrera and the Autavia, with the all-new movement. However, they ultimately wanted a brand new model to showcase the revolutionary caliber, and thus, the Monaco was born.
In addition to the self-winding chronograph movement, the Monaco debuted a unique square case. The cases for the Monacos were made by Ervin Piquerez (EPSA), and Jack Heuer secured the exclusive rights to use the design. It quickly caught the attention of watch enthusiasts and the general public alike after the famed actor and racer Steve McQueen wore the ref. 1133B (the B stands for blue dial) – the exact reference that we're offering today – in the 1971 film Le Mans. In December 2020, one of the exact Monaco watches from the film went up for auction at Phillips and set a new record for vintage Heuer at $2,208,000.
The Monaco is a great choice for someone who wants to go against the grain and wear something bold and interesting while maintaining collectability, as well as historical significance in both the watch and pop-culture space. Needless to say, the Monaco ticks all the boxes from its unconventional design to the groundbreaking movement under the hood to its overall cultural significance. This example is in great shape and would be an excellent addition to any discerning collection. We paired this Monaco on our Reid Strap in GFrey to give it a fresh look. In addition, the contrasting white stitching gives it a sporty vibe, and the grey makes it more casual. To read more about this iconic reference, click here.
The Fine Print
Maker: Heuer
Model: Monaco
Reference: 1133B
Year: 1970s
Case No: 160186
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 38 x 41.5mm (Height by Width); 13.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Heuer, self-winding, caliber 11
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Reid in Grey with a re-issue stainless steel Heuer buckle
Lug Width: 22mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Monaco is in overall great condition. The case is strong and the finishing is still present. The numbers between both sets of lugs are crisp. The case appears to be unpolished. The caseback shows some slight signs of being opened. The "Tool No. 033 HEUER" engraving on the caseback is fully visible. The dial is in overall very nice condition and has developed some patina on the hands and around the hour markers. The lume on the dial and hands have developed patina and turned to a rich yellow color. Some of the lume plots show normal signs of degradation. The dial, case, movement, and crown are signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Why This Watch Matters
The combination of unique design, technical prowess, and historical significance makes the Monaco a true icon.
The Full Story
As part of a corporate coalition with Breitling, Dubois-Dépraz, and Hamilton-Buren, Heuer introduced one of the world's first automatic chronograph movements in 1969 with the caliber 11. Soon after, they updated two of their best-known collections, the Carrera and the Autavia, with the all-new movement. However, they ultimately wanted a brand new model to showcase the revolutionary caliber, and thus, the Monaco was born.
In addition to the self-winding chronograph movement, the Monaco debuted a unique square case. The cases for the Monacos were made by Ervin Piquerez (EPSA), and Jack Heuer secured the exclusive rights to use the design. It quickly caught the attention of watch enthusiasts and the general public alike after the famed actor and racer Steve McQueen wore the ref. 1133B (the B stands for blue dial) – the exact reference that we're offering today – in the 1971 film Le Mans. In December 2020, one of the exact Monaco watches from the film went up for auction at Phillips and set a new record for vintage Heuer at $2,208,000.
The Monaco is a great choice for someone who wants to go against the grain and wear something bold and interesting while maintaining collectability, as well as historical significance in both the watch and pop-culture space. Needless to say, the Monaco ticks all the boxes from its unconventional design to the groundbreaking movement under the hood to its overall cultural significance. This example is in great shape and would be an excellent addition to any discerning collection. We paired this Monaco on our Reid Strap in GFrey to give it a fresh look. In addition, the contrasting white stitching gives it a sporty vibe, and the grey makes it more casual. To read more about this iconic reference, click here.
The Fine Print
Maker: Heuer
Model: Monaco
Reference: 1133B
Year: 1970s
Case No: 160186
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 38 x 41.5mm (Height by Width); 13.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Heuer, self-winding, caliber 11
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Reid in Grey with a re-issue stainless steel Heuer buckle
Lug Width: 22mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Monaco is in overall great condition. The case is strong and the finishing is still present. The numbers between both sets of lugs are crisp. The case appears to be unpolished. The caseback shows some slight signs of being opened. The "Tool No. 033 HEUER" engraving on the caseback is fully visible. The dial is in overall very nice condition and has developed some patina on the hands and around the hour markers. The lume on the dial and hands have developed patina and turned to a rich yellow color. Some of the lume plots show normal signs of degradation. The dial, case, movement, and crown are signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
