Phillips Racing Pulse New York Auction 12 December 2020 | Heuer Ref. 1133 gifted by Steve McQueen to Haig Alltounian sold for USD 2'208'000

LOT 20

Heuer Ref. 1133

An historically important, well-preserved, and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, gifted by Steve McQueen to Haig Alltounian. 1969

39mm Square

Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate

On Request

SOLD FOR USD 2'208'000

The Haig Alltounian Heuer Monaco Gifted by Steve McQueen

Manufacturer: Heuer
Year: 1969
Reference No: 1133
Case No: Tool No. 033
Model Name: Monaco
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 11, 20 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Dimensions: 39mm Square
Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Accessories: Accompanied with period Heuer inner and outer presentation boxes and hand-signed letter from Haig Alltounian attesting to its authenticity

Catalogue Essay

The 1960s was a period of cultural upheaval, and similar to the societal changes of the era, so too the world of horology was set for radical change. With the rising success of quartz watches from Japan, Swiss manufacturers needed to revive declining sales with new models better suited to a growing, active clientele spending more time outdoors. Introduced in 1969 Heuer’s Monaco was a game changer. It was one of the world’s first self-winding chronograph wristwatches, housing Heuer’s legendary Caliber 11. It was also the world’s first water resistant square-cased watch.

Today, the Monaco reference 1133 is an icon amongst chronograph aficionados. The revolutionary design created a new aesthetic, with its large oversized square-shape, blue dial, white subsidiary seconds and red hands and hour markers. Designed by Jack Heuer, the watch was named for the famed Formula One racetrack, and would be chosen by Steve McQueen as the authentic chronograph of choice for his racing character when filming began for Le Mans began exactly 50 years ago, in 1970.

The Monaco’s contemporary style perfectly suited the rugged persona of Steve McQueen’s, character, Michael Delany. McQueen, at the height of his career, sought to make Le Mans the ultimate car racing movie. Using revolutionary technology to film cars while on the race track, with authentic race drivers driving at speed, he wanted viewers to feel as if they were on the track as they sat in their seats. Don Nunley, property master for the film, looked at photos of current race drivers to insure the actors would be seen as genuine. When Nunley showed McQueen a selection of chronograph watches for Delany to wear, McQueen first chose an Omega Speedmaster due to its popularity following the first 1969 moon launch, Nunley however pointed out that McQueen’s racing suit already sported the Heuer logo, and consequently McQueen chose the Heuer Monaco. The most avant-garde of all the chronographs shown, it was the perfect watch to match his “King of Cool” moniker.

Perhaps the most important member amongst the behind the scenes crew was Haig Alltounian – the Chief Mechanic for Le Mans, as well as Steve McQueen’s personal mechanic. McQueen so greatly appreciated Alltounian for the critical role he played keeping everyone on the set safe, that on the final day of filming, the actor gifted him one of the Heuer Monaco chronograph wristwatches used during filming. As told by Alltounian in the 2015 documentary, “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans,” when he handed Alltouonian the watch, McQueen said “thank you for keeping me alive all these months.”

While Alltounian refused to accept it, and suggested McQueen give it to his wife or son, McQueen told him he couldn’t as it already had Haig’s name on it, referencing the case back inscription, “To Haig Le Mans 1970”. This same watch was worn by Steve McQueen driving the Porsche 917 at speeds above 200 MPH through the Mulsanne Straight of the Le Mans racing circuit. Worn by Haig only for approximately two years after receiving it, he placed it in a safety deposit box for nearly 5 decades – admiring it only on rare occasion.

Consigned by the Original Owner