VINTAGE HEUER Monaco 1133b “Transitional”

Model Code: 1133b

Absolutely. Here is the finished catalogue copy, ready to use on the website.

Heuer Monaco 1133B “Transitional” – Rare Metallic Blue Dial

An exceptionally rare and highly desirable Heuer Monaco 1133B Transitional, distinguished by its original metallic blue dial and sought-after early squared hands. Presented in outstanding condition, this is a particularly important example of one of Heuer’s most iconic and collectable chronographs.

Introduced in 1969, the Heuer Monaco was revolutionary. Its dramatic square case, left-hand crown and automatic chronograph movement represented a radical departure from conventional chronograph design. Powered by the pioneering Calibre 11, developed through the collaboration of Heuer, Breitling, Buren and Dubois-Depraz, the Monaco became one of the defining watches of the golden age of automatic chronographs.

The 1133B Transitional occupies a particularly fascinating place in Monaco history. Produced during the early evolution of the model, these transitional watches combine characteristics of the earliest Monacos with features that would become standard on later production examples.

This example is particularly desirable for its original metallic blue dial, displaying the rich, reflective finish associated with the earliest Monacos, together with the much rarer early-style squared hands. Later 1133B examples adopted the more familiar pointed hands with red detailing and a flatter, matt-finished blue dial.

The dial is undoubtedly one of the defining features of this watch. Its deep metallic blue finish changes beautifully with the light, giving the watch remarkable depth and presence. Original examples of these early dials are increasingly difficult to find, particularly in such outstanding condition.

The Monaco’s place in horological history was further secured by its association with Steve McQueen and the 1971 film Le Mans. McQueen famously wore a blue Heuer Monaco while portraying racing driver Michael Delaney, forever linking the watch with the glamour, danger and uncompromising spirit of international motor racing.

Rarity & Collectability

The 1133B is itself one of the most sought-after vintage Heuer chronographs, with contemporary specialist research indicating that production was relatively limited. The Transitional configuration represents only a small proportion of total 1133B production and is consequently much harder to locate than the standard later examples.

The combination of the early metallic blue dial, transitional configuration and rare squared hands makes this particular specification especially desirable. Originality and condition are increasingly important to serious Heuer collectors, and surviving examples retaining their correct early features are becoming progressively harder to source.

This is not simply a Monaco with an attractive dial; it represents a fascinating and relatively brief chapter in the evolution of one of the world’s most recognisable chronographs.

A True Collector’s Monaco

For the serious vintage Heuer collector, the attraction of this watch lies in the combination of early production, rare transitional specification, metallic blue dial, original squared hands and outstanding overall condition.

It represents the Monaco at one of the most interesting moments in its development — before the model settled into the more familiar configuration recognised by collectors today.

A genuinely exceptional vintage Heuer Monaco and a particularly rare specification. Examples combining this transitional dial configuration with the correct early hands and outstanding condition are seldom encountered and are increasingly prized by knowledgeable collectors worldwide.

Reference: Heuer Monaco 1133B Transitional
Era: Circa 1969–1970
Dial: Original metallic blue transitional dial
Hands: Rare early-style squared hands
Movement: Heuer Calibre 11 automatic chronograph
Case: Stainless steel square Monaco case
Condition: Outstanding vintage condition

Bowcliffe Hall

Available to view by appointment at Bowcliffe Hall, West Yorkshire.

A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional early Heuer Monaco, offered from Bowcliffe Hall and available for serious collectors to inspect by prior appointment.