1972 Heuer Monaco 73633 B

The Monaco is one of the most iconic designs from Heuer and a watch closely associated with racing, as Steve McQueen wore one in the film Le Mans. 

The Monaco was a completely new line for Heuer and though it was created more as a design-oriented watch than the Autavia and Carrera watches that featured tachymeter scales on them, the Monaco became immortalized as a racing watch when Steve McQueen selected it to use in his film Le Mans.

The Heuer Monaco offered here is powered by the Valjoux 7736 manual winding movement and is even rarer than the 1133 automatic version. The reference 73633 is known in three different versions: the blue Monaco with white sub-dials, the completely gray version and a gray-black version.

Square-cased Heuer Monaco

If you thought it was Jack Heuer’s mind that came up with the phenomenal square case, you are only half right. “One day, a representative of one of our most reliable watch case suppliers, a company called Piquerez, came to us on one of his regular visits to show us the latest samples of watch cases in mock-up form. He drew our attention in particular to a new patented square case Piquerez had developed, emphasizing the fact that it was fully water-resistant,“ reveals Jack Heuer in his biography book.

Heuer-Monaco-73633-B-Case

Jack Heuer negotiated an exclusive deal with Piquerez to use the case for Heuer chronographs only. This assured that their products would be distinct enough from Breitling’s production. And distinct they were. At the time a little too distinct perhaps, as their customers didn‘t show any mercy. Sales were disappointing and the Heuer Monaco production lasted for a mere six years from 1969 to 1975. The full set piece featured today was sold in 1978, so it had been collecting dust in a dealer’s window for quite some time. I guess they were pretty glad they sold it… On the other hand, lower demand in the 1970s means tougher provision and higher collectability today.

The case proportion is the same as the 1133 and 1533 with 22mm lugs and brushed finish to the top, sides and back.

The square shape of the case is the main symbol of the Heuer Monaco. It was designed by Ervin Piquerez and was the first waterproof square case ever made. The case back is stamped with the Heuer logo and "Tool No 033". The number 033 stands for the special tool that was required to open the case.

Overall, this Heuer Monaco 73633 is an extraordinary and rare vintage chronograph with an attractive appearance and reliable movement.

Condition:

The watch is in overall excellent, original condition for its age. The dial is beautiful with no noticeable blemishes; the tritium lume on the hands shows some signs of ageing.  The case has no noticeable scratches and appears to be unpolished. 

The movement has been checked by our watchmaker and is working well and accurately, losing only 9 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 271.  Service history is not known.  At additional expense (price TBC) we can arrange our watchmaker to service the movement & change the gasket around the dial.

Specifications:

Material: Stainless steel

Watch glass: plexiglass

Strap: matching high quality calf leather "racing" strap with signed buckle.(Note: optional signed, stainless steel, pin buckle bracelet made by NSA is available).

Dimensions: 40x40mm

Movement: Valjoux 7736, manual winding.

Year of Manufacture: 1972