AuctionsJun 06, 2024
Sotheby’s Auction of Sylvester Stallone’s Watches Was a KnockoutAuctionsAug 14, 2024
Sotheby’s Revving Up to Sell Watch Steve McQueen Wore in ‘Le Mans’
Appearing at auction for the first time, the Heuer Monaco chronograph is expected to sell for up to $1 million.
Steve McQueen, left, wearing a Heuer Monaco watch and his Gulf racing suit during the filming of “Le Mans.” One of the Monaco chronographs the actor wore in the 1971 racing film is going up for auction for the first time later this year at Sotheby’s. Pictured at right, the timepiece is expected to sell for between $500,000 and $1 million. (McQueen photo © Mel Traxel, courtesy of TAG Heuer; watch photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)
New York—One of the four Heuer Monaco watches Steve McQueen wore in “Le Mans” will be up for auction this December, Sotheby’s announced Tuesday.
The Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B is being offered as part of the auction house’s “Important Watches” sale on Dec. 11. It is the centerpiece of “Heuer Champions,” a selection of vintage chronographs from the brand now known as TAG Heuer.
According to Sotheby’s, the timepiece is one of six blue-dial Heuer Monaco models sent to the set of the 1971 film at the request of the property master, Don Nunley. Two of the watches had bracelets, and four had leather straps.
McQueen wore the watches with leather straps in the movie.
After filming wrapped, Bevan Weston, then a young mechanic on the Le Mans set who went on to work for McLaren, bought the watch and held onto it for 40 years.
He sold it to a private collector in 2010.
The Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B is being offered as part of the auction house’s “Important Watches” sale on Dec. 11. It is the centerpiece of “Heuer Champions,” a selection of vintage chronographs from the brand now known as TAG Heuer.
According to Sotheby’s, the timepiece is one of six blue-dial Heuer Monaco models sent to the set of the 1971 film at the request of the property master, Don Nunley. Two of the watches had bracelets, and four had leather straps.
McQueen wore the watches with leather straps in the movie.
After filming wrapped, Bevan Weston, then a young mechanic on the Le Mans set who went on to work for McLaren, bought the watch and held onto it for 40 years.
He sold it to a private collector in 2010.
Bevan Weston, far right, is pictured wearing the Heuer Monaco he acquired from the set of “Le Mans” while rallying in Australia in the late 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Bevan Weston)
Another shot of the Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B Sotheby’s will offer as part of its Dec. 11 “Important Watches” sale
Of the six watches used for filming, two are in TAG Heuer’s museum collection, and three already have appeared at auction.
Sotheby’s said the timepiece it is offering on Dec. 11 is the last of the movie-worn watches to appear at auction, as the private collector who bought it from Weston has decided to part with it.
Its estimated sale price is $500,000 to $1 million.
Geoff Hess, Sotheby’s newly promoted global head of watches and a “lifelong lover of the Heuer brand,” said bringing this watch to auction is a career highlight for him.
“The connection between cars and watches is well known, but the Ref. 1133B encapsulates this union in a way unmatched by other timepieces,” he said.
“For enthusiasts of racing, McQueen, or vintage chronographs, this watch represents the ultimate addition to any collection—a true ‘end game’ piece.”
Related stories will be right here …
Sotheby’s said the timepiece it is offering on Dec. 11 is the last of the movie-worn watches to appear at auction, as the private collector who bought it from Weston has decided to part with it.
Its estimated sale price is $500,000 to $1 million.
Geoff Hess, Sotheby’s newly promoted global head of watches and a “lifelong lover of the Heuer brand,” said bringing this watch to auction is a career highlight for him.
“The connection between cars and watches is well known, but the Ref. 1133B encapsulates this union in a way unmatched by other timepieces,” he said.
“For enthusiasts of racing, McQueen, or vintage chronographs, this watch represents the ultimate addition to any collection—a true ‘end game’ piece.”
The Heuer Monaco was launched in 1969 and, at the time, was one of only a handful of commercially available automatic chronograph wristwatches, alongside the brand’s Autavia and Carrera models.
Sotheby’s said the Monaco was the “perfect start” to a new decade of the design with its square case, brushed and polished finishes, and overall brutalist aesthetic.
Heuer was acquired by Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG) in 1985 and together the two companies became TAG Heuer.
TAG Heuer relaunched the Monaco in 1997 and Sotheby’s said it became a “runaway success” thanks to its advertising campaign, which featured McQueen.
The Heuer Monaco headlining Sotheby’s “Important Watches” auction in December is on public view from now through Saturday, Aug. 17, in Monterey, California, in conjunction with RM Sotheby’s flagship auction there. (RM Sotheby’s specializes in the auction of classic cars and automobile memorabilia.)
It is the first time the timepiece has been on public view since McQueen wore it in “Le Mans” more than 50 years ago.
The watch will return to the East Coast and be on display at Sotheby’s New York from Dec. 5-10, ahead of the auction on Dec. 11.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
