Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133 'Steve McQueen' Automatic Chronograph, circa 1970, with TAG Heuer Service

Lot description — Deker Auctions LLC

An iconic Heuer Monaco 'Steve McQueen' automatic chronograph wristwatch, reference 1133, housed in the distinctive square stainless-steel case with brushed finish, measuring approx. 40mm x 38mm. The black dial displays two silvered subsidiary registers for 30-minute and 12-hour recording, a central chronograph hand in red, and applied indexes, all accented with luminous inserts. Date aperture at 6 o'clock. Signed 'Monaco Heuer' beneath 12 o'clock and 'Automatic Chronograph Swiss' above 6 o'clock. The case back is stamped with the Heuer logo and marked 'Tool No. 033', consistent with early Monaco production. Inside, the watch is powered by the celebrated Caliber 11/12 automatic chronograph movement, a historic joint development by Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton-Buren, and Dubois Depraz, representing one of the world's first automatic chronographs introduced in 1969. The present example bears the reference number '1133' between the lugs ( this watch having just '1133' between the lugs means it is from the first series of Monacos (1969-1972), when Heuer hadn't standardized adding the suffix to the case) , accompanied by its original serial number (withheld for security reasons). The watch is fitted with a perforated black leather strap with Heuer-signed steel buckle, likely contemporary but possibly a later replacement, echoing the original racing-inspired design. Importantly, the watch comes with TAG Heuer USA service paperwork, dated October 2016, detailing a complete movement overhaul, case cleaning, and replacement of gaskets and spring bars (invoice total $939.05). This provides additional assurance of authenticity and mechanical integrity. From a Scarsdale, NY estate Note: For comparative examples, see Phillips 'Racing Pulse,' New York, December 2020; Bonhams London, December 2021, Ref. 1133 lots.