The Heuer Monaco | family history
The Monaco 1133B is one of the most consequential watch designs of the 20th century: the first automatic square-cased chronograph, launched in 1969, worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans (1971). All genuine Monaco references are vintage. The pre-TAG Heuer name is the identifying mark of the original production.
The original square-cased automatic chronograph, worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans and now one of the most iconic vintage sports watches ever made.
1969-1974 · The 1133B, the original Monaco
Jack Heuer launched the Monaco in March 1969 alongside the Autavia and Carrera. The 1133B carried Calibre 11, the Buren/Heuer horizontal-clutch automatic chronograph movement (co-developed with Breitling and Hamilton), in a 39mm square stainless steel case with a blue dial and the characteristic crown on the left side (required by the Calibre 11's movement architecture). The dial design was polarizing at launch; retailers were skeptical. The Steve McQueen association in Le Mans (1971) transformed the reference into an icon during its production run. The 1133B is the primary collectible reference.
- OpenMonaco 1133B · 1133BlandmarkThe square-cased chronograph Steve McQueen wore in Le Mans in 1970; the association made it the most recognized Heuer reference outside the Carrera.
1974-1978 · Revised production and the end of the original Monaco
Heuer revised the Monaco in 1974 with different dial configurations and produced it in smaller quantities through approximately 1978. These later pre-TAG variants trade at lower premiums than the 1133B blue dial. The Monaco name continued under TAG Heuer after the 1985 acquisition but as a separate, fully modern reference that shares the square case but none of the original movement architecture. Only the original Heuer production (pre-1985) is tracked in the Grail Atlas catalog.
No references from this era in the catalog yet.
How to read this family
Two questions for vintage Monaco buyers:
- How do you verify a genuine 1133B? The primary verification points are the Calibre 11 movement (check that serial numbers are consistent with 1969-1974 production), the original blue dial without restoration, and case hallmarks. The Monaco has been extensively counterfeited and subject to re-dialing; professional authentication through a reputable dealer or auction house is essential at this price level.
- What is the price premium for the McQueen association? The reference McQueen wore in Le Mans is the standard blue dial 1133B. Every genuine 1133B benefits from the association by proximity; there is no provenance to a specific McQueen-worn example available at retail. The premium is built into the reference broadly, not to individual watches. Plan accordingly.
Related families: Carrera · Navitimer
References in this family
- OpenHeuer Monaco 1133B · 1133BlandmarkThe square-cased chronograph Steve McQueen wore in Le Mans in 1970; the association made it the most recognized Heuer reference outside the Carrera.
Which ref to buy
The Monaco was introduced in 1969 as the first automatic chronograph in a square waterproof case. Steve McQueen wore it in Le Mans (1971), cementing its cultural status. Reference 1133 is the original -- blue dial, square case, Caliber 11 automatic chronograph movement.
- 1Open
Monaco 1133 -- square automatic chronograph, McQueen association, one of the most culturally significant watches of the 20th century.
- The case for it:
- The Monaco 1133 is objectively significant: first automatic chronograph in a square waterproof case, McQueen's watch in Le Mans, the watch that made Caliber 11 famous. Original examples are appreciating strongly. The cultural weight is documented and real.
- Consider instead if:
- The McQueen premium inflates prices above what the underlying watch warrants on technical merit. Buyers should separate cultural value from horological value. Condition and authenticity are paramount -- fakes and restored originals are common.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.