
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Heuer Monaco Ref 1133B Steve McQueen Model, 1970
- Maker / attribution
- Heuer (maker)
- Date
- 1970
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 40 mm
- Stock no.
- W-419
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-419)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Heuer Monaco Ref 1133B Steve McQueen Model (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-419), this is a wristwatch by Heuer, made in Switzerland, dated 1970. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 40 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Bulang & Sons
THE MCQUEEN MONACO This iconic racing chronograph is intrinsically linked with one of the coolest movie actors of all time – Mr Steve McQueen, who wore one in the film Le Mans. Measuring 40mm across, this is a cool sized watch in a square stainless steel case with pushers on the right side and a winding crown on the left. The blue dial, with its unusual hour markers and red accents is in incredible original condition (we would say 95%) and the original hands have taken on a gentle patina. The case is in a stunning condition! The watch comes on its original Heuer bracelet but we suspect with aftermarket endlinks. The accompanying box is a collector’s item in its own right. The Monaco has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and will come on a strap of your choice from our web store*. Specification - Reference 1133B - Dates to the 1970 - Beautiful Blue Dial - Stunning condition case - Rare Heuer bracelet - Rare Heuer Automaric box - Fully serviced by our watchmaker - Includes a leather strap of your choice*
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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