Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1972 Reference No: 1533G Case No: 250'143 Model Name: Monaco Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, 15, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Heuer bracelet, 165 mm. maximum length Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer folding clasp Dimensions: 40 mm. width Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Literature: For another example of a Heuer Monaco wristwatch, please see I Cronografi da Polso Preziose Memorie del XX Secolo, Volume II by Paul White, page 199.
Catalogue Essay
The Heuer Monaco was first launched in 1969 and was one of the first automatic chronographs ever manufactured. The present example differs slightly from the original reference 1133 and is commonly known as the economy version of the caliber 11. The updated caliber 15 replaced the 12 hours register with subsidiary seconds and had a lower retail price. In the early 1970's, Swiss watches export to the US dropped for the first time in 15 years and the US dollar also dropped significantly over the Swiss Franc, making Swiss watches even more expensive. Heuer, like many other brands, had to take action and the caliber 15 is the result of that action.
The present 1533G, with the 'G' indicating the grey dial, is preserved in lovely original condition.
This iconic chronograph manufacturer has a long tradition of precision timekeeping. As early as 1882, founder Edouard Heuer held a patent for a chronograph watch; in 1887, he received a patent for an oscillating pinion, which is still in use today. These specialized timepieces have been at the heart of the firm's success, enabling the brand to be chosen as early timekeepers for the Olympics. In 1969, the company introduced their first automatic chronograph watch, the Monaco Heuer, which celebrated the Monaco Grand Prix. Other key chronograph models include the Autavia and the Carrera, all of which having become iconic models of the firm.