Why This Watch Matters

An off-the-beaten track variant of an off-the-beaten track vintage chronograph.

The Full Story

As part of a corporate coalition with Breitling, Dubois-Dépraz, and Hamilton-Buren, Heuer introduced one of the world's first automatic chronograph movements in 1969 with the caliber 11. Soon after, they updated two of their best-known collections, the Carrera and the Autavia, with the all-new movement. However, they ultimately wanted a brand new model to showcase the revolutionary caliber, and thus, the Monaco was born.

Here is a reference 1533 grey dialed Monaco powered by a variant of the caliber 11, the caliber 15. Introduced to the Heuer catalog in 1972 the caliber 15 powered chronographs like this Monaco allowed a lower price point customer to participate in the cutting edge horology. Heuer improved upon the caliber 11's base to create this movement that was slightly less expensive to produce. Fun fact, a good way to tell this is powered by the Caliber 15 (or other Heuers from this era) is the running seconds at ten. 

This example has "1133" stamped between the lugs, but it is actually a ref. 1533. This phenomenon is not uncommon with later references.  While the two references were differentiated by dial configurations and movement calibers, they shared the same case design. Since both references were in production simultaneously at one point, it makes sense that Heuer utilized the older cases with the ref. 1133 designation for some of the ref. 1533 based on the case inventory they had left from their earlier production of the ref. 1133. Things were not as precise back then as they are today. 

The Monaco is a great choice for someone who wants to go against the grain and wear something bold and interesting while maintaining collectability, as well as historical significance in both the watch and pop-culture space. This example is in great shape and would be an excellent addition to any discerning collection. We paired this Monaco on our Bedford Strap in light blue to give it a fresh look and play off of the blue dial accents. To read more about this iconic reference, click .

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

Things To Know:

This Monaco is in overall great, honest condition. The case is strong and still retains the original brushing. The case has some light scratches. The "Tool No. 33 HEUER" engraving on the caseback is fully visible (this is a reference to the tool needed to remove the caseback).

The dial and hands are in good condition with patina. The edges and corners of the dial show some wear and have developed patina. The dial has a small imperfection at five o'clock around the hour marker. The lume on the hands is slightly lighter than the lume on the dial. The hour markers have developed patina, which is not uncommon. The hands have also developed patina. 

The case is stamped with 1133 between the lugs at six o'clock, a reference number discrepancy that is known to happen on these Monacos. The crystal has some light scratches. The top pusher has some wear on the edge. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.