Heuer - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: 1969
    Reference No: 1133B
    Case No: 157’873, further stamped Tool No. 033
    Model Name: Monaco
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Heuer stainless steel bracelet, max overall length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Heuer stainless steel deployant buckle
    Dimensions: 45.5mm overall length, 44mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1969, the Heuer Monaco was one of the first automatic chronograph wristwatches available in the market. Along with the self-winding Zenith El Primero, these chronograph watches were at the forefront of innovative design and technology of the 1960s and 1970s. The oversized square-shaped case, manufactured by Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA), with left-handed winding and setting crown were unique features designed by Jack Heuer, and while a completely new concept at the time, today this model has become an icon known for its contemporary look and feel. The watch gained notoriety when Steve McQueen wore an example in the classic racing film “Le Mans”.

    The present example features a rare and hardly ever seen transitional dial, made even more desirable due to its unpolished case. The very first examples of the model featured the wording “Chronomatic” at the top of the dial with the “Monaco” signature at the bottom. Early on, the Monaco’s dial layout changed and “Monaco” was moved to the top, with the wording “Automatic Chronograph” added to the bottom. The “transitional” dial of the present lot stands out with its dynamic midnight blue color with brushed finish that yields a myriad of colors with different lighting angles. It is fitted with early polished stainless steel hands with square-tipped ends, compared with the polished steel hands with triangular red tipped hands seen on slightly later examples. The mid-20th century is widely considered the Golden Age of chronograph wristwatches, and this uniquely designed Monaco is an exceptional example for the discerning collector.

  • Artist Biography

    Heuer

    Swiss • 1860

    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.

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85

Ref. 1133B
An early, very fine, and rare stainless steel square-shaped chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

1969
45.5mm overall length, 44mm width
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$12,000 - 18,000 
CHF12,000-17,900
€10,400-15,600
HK$94,100-141,000

Sold for $21,250

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018