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Lot Essay
Preserved in generally very good original overall condition and still featuring the original bracelet, the present ref. 1133 B is a fine example of the iconic chronograph wristwatch, designed by Jack Heuer and named after the celebrated Formula One race. It was introduced simultaneously in Geneva and New York in 1969 and was the first square-cased and water-resistant automatic chronograph wristwatch.
The very first series was fitted with the automatic calibre 11 movement and a metallic blue dial with white registers. During the course of production the calibre 11 movement was quickly upgraded to the calibre 11-I featuring a number of modifications to improve reliability, and finally the calibre 12, as featured in this watch, with higher frequency. During this time the dial of the 1133 also went through changes, from the metallic finish of early examples that had a tendency to fade over time, to the more familiar matte blue finish as displayed here.
With its avant-garde design, the typical 1970s coloured dial and the unique recognition factor, the "Monaco" has become a highly coveted collectors watch.
A similar Heuer Monaco model is prominently illustrated on the cover of Heuer Chronographs - Fascination of Timekeepers and Motor Sports 1960s/1970s by Arno Michael Haslinger, in which the model is also extensively described and illustrated on pp. 199 - 207.
The very first series was fitted with the automatic calibre 11 movement and a metallic blue dial with white registers. During the course of production the calibre 11 movement was quickly upgraded to the calibre 11-I featuring a number of modifications to improve reliability, and finally the calibre 12, as featured in this watch, with higher frequency. During this time the dial of the 1133 also went through changes, from the metallic finish of early examples that had a tendency to fade over time, to the more familiar matte blue finish as displayed here.
With its avant-garde design, the typical 1970s coloured dial and the unique recognition factor, the "Monaco" has become a highly coveted collectors watch.
A similar Heuer Monaco model is prominently illustrated on the cover of Heuer Chronographs - Fascination of Timekeepers and Motor Sports 1960s/1970s by Arno Michael Haslinger, in which the model is also extensively described and illustrated on pp. 199 - 207.