Heuer Monaco Steve McQueen

About this reference

The Heuer Monaco reference 1133B was produced between 1969 and approximately 1975. Collectors prioritize this reference as one of the first automatic chronographs, powered by the Calibre 11 (and later Calibre 12) movement, characterized by its left-sided winding crown. The 1133B features a blue metallic dial with horizontal hour markers and a square 38mm stainless steel case designed by Ervin Piquerez S.A., which provided the first water-resistant square housing. Its historical significance is tied to its use by Steve McQueen during the 1971 filming of Le Mans. On the secondary market, standard production examples typically range from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on condition and transitional dial variations. A notable auction result occurred in 2020 when a 1133B gifted by McQueen to his mechanic sold for $2.2 million, though standard "McQueen" models remain valued for their original matte blue finishes and unpolished case geometry.