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) Steven McQueen wearing Heuer Monaco, Heuer Monaco watch](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f0ed40080d4d233a0cc56af83545cec9.jpg)
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.
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.
The Latest
![An image from Signet Jewelers-owned Zales’ new marketing campaign, launched in celebration of its 100th anniversary. Signet Jewelers’ sales declined in the second quarter, but it said an engagement recovery is on the way. Zales 100th anniversary marketing campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/8dd541839a3bdb6c04c9d9693716fe0e.jpg)
The jewelry giant said it expects to see an uptick in engagements in the second half of the year.
![gia-supplierbulletin 0824.png](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/2fd649e0aeff7a5f854ddc938a0ba798.png)
Sponsored by Gemological Institute of America
![Mignon Faget's new era is about shifting from the namesake designer being the face of the brand to allowing the jewelry to speak for itself. Mignon Faget’s Legacy Collection Campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/795dceff5fbda374df4dd431e70ef46b.jpg)
The brand is celebrating its upcoming 55th anniversary with modern designs that pay tribute to its history.
![How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024 2.0 (1).jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/ce0b2d506437b6b5b6e9ea7de9150001.jpg)
Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.
![The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced its new board of directors. Bruce Bridges AGTA](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/67a3121982ce1c62d7d9366dcc19d56b.jpg)
He, and other newly elected board members, will begin their terms in February.
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![The grant supports organizations that drive change and better the jewelry industry. JCK Industry Fund logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99997800e9f6a04c4c12c9e9bf00d33d.jpg)
Those interested can apply online now through Nov. 15.
![Chrono24’s “Her-ology” report explores the women’s watch market, breaking down the favored brands, shapes, and movement preferences. According to the report, Cartier is one of the top brands among women watch buyers; a “Panthère” watch from the brand is pictured. Cartier Panthère watch](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3144f5fd1543949a9af73ae85e475a0d.jpg)
Its “Her-ology” report highlights trends in the women’s luxury watch market, from top brands to movement preferences.
![Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/00d2546ac557992f0d02a3f1336eb094.png)
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.
![The “Marrow Martini” includes a 14-karat yellow gold tennis necklace with 150 diamonds totaling 9 carats, served with a smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini. (Photo credit: Jamie Campanelli) Marrow Fine x Adalina Martini and Tennis Necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6f22b563e43d19eb8f95899cc32ced5d.jpg)
The smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini, only available at Adalina in Chicago, is served with a 9-carat diamond tennis necklace.
![The issues surrounding natural and lab-grown diamonds will be the topic of AGS Confluence 2024, scheduled for Sept. 25. Pictured is a selection of loose lab-grown diamonds from Lightbox, the De Beers Group-owned brand that announced earlier this year it was ceasing production of diamonds for use in jewelry. Lightbox loose lab-grown diamonds](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/dd75a3ec9ed45c99d4f8240bf5c361ee.jpg)
Scheduled for Sept. 25, the online-only event will be open to non-AGS members this year, for a fee.
![A Brilliant Earth showroom in the Mosaic District of Fairfax, Virginia. The company recently partnered with e-commerce platform Global-E to welcome online shoppers in more than 150 countries. (Photo courtesy of Brilliant Earth) Brilliant Earth Showroom Fairfax Virginia](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/831b4b81e2f4365b7b37d5edddaa76e0.jpg)
Customers in more than 150 countries can now shop at the jewelry retailer’s online store.
![Gems Keep Giving, which began as a charitable development fund started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now an independent nonprofit charity. Gems Keep Giving](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3114e8fe64e441cf963f2decb570b4b5.jpg)
The organization, which was started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now a 501(c)(3).
![Jeff High, 60, died from complications related to liver cancer on Thursday, Sept. 5. High was the founder of Gemvision and, later, the vice president of Dianna Rae Jewelry in Lafayette, Louisiana. Jeffrey Lynn High](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1cdb3888521386bed245cf5acecb8375.jpg)
The Gemvision founder is remembered as a passionate mentor with a deep love for God.
![Inspired by the time of day just before the sun sets, the “Golden Hour” collection centers around rose-tinted and cool lilac hues with pink tourmalines, garnets, champaign citrines, and violet spinels. Foundrae Golden Hour Campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/0b63e119272170e285bd0ff948be092e.jpg)
The “Golden Hour” collection was designed to “inspire and encourage reflection,” said the brand.
![Movado has named five new brand ambassadors, including (from left) Ludacris, Christian McCaffrey, Jessica Alba, Tyrese Haliburton, and Julianne Moore. Movado When I Move You Move campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f52d492a96792c6966b139713ebf7c7d.jpg)
Movado has named five new brand ambassadors, featuring them in its new “When I Move You Move” campaign.
![“If Jewels Could Talk” focuses on seven types of jewelry—hoops, rings, beads, charms, brooches, cuffs, and head ornaments. Carol Woolton](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4435be8ada52946c1d7c768f06f5a1a1.jpg)
The jewelry historian discusses the history and cultural significance of jewelry throughout time and across the globe.
![Each of the 16 new pieces in the “Vela” collection were inspired by the form of a feather, utilizing gentle curves and swooping lines in its silhouettes. Hearts On Fire Love, Unleashed Campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/925cfd9cc0b86ae344d9ee7cd9d13d80.jpg)
The “Love, Unleashed” campaign is an ode to love, featuring 16 new designs from Hearts On Fire’s “Vela” collection.
![Fuli Gemstones’ new “Beidou Cut” is a heptagon with 85 facets. Fuli gemstones beidou cut](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/ae506aa1c57799a7a8a34279d7f1ebce.jpg)
The miner’s new peridot cut will debut at the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry trade show.
![The “Fabergé x Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” collection features 22 jewels inspired by the new film. Fabergé Beetlejuice Beetlejuice jewelry collection](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/78361e751f2e3238b13e547c8e85c65d.jpg)
It’s showtime for these jewels, inspired by the motifs and color palette of the new Tim Burton film.
![A set of Movado Connect 2.0 watches. The company reported declining sales in its recent second quarter results. Movado Connect 2.0 watches](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/5d1cc61baba5bd86849eb79a0df1fd7c.jpg)
CEO Efraim Grinberg pointed to a challenging consumer spending environment, particularly in the watch category.
![Lizzie Mandler’s Liquid Gold Hoops](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/746314458eb97f28efb151c2315cddd7.jpg)
Inspired by a 19th century sculpture, Mandler transformed gold into liquid for these earrings.
![On the right, Hadid models for her first campaign as Chopard’s brand ambassador, while, on the left, she appears in the jeweler’s “Sculpted by Light” campaign. Bella Hadid in Chopard Campaigns](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b4287ac9cd48a80ee5996d4de691c321.jpg)
The model and entrepreneur stars in two new Chopard campaigns.
![The Nordstrom Men’s Store in New York City. The Seattle-based retailer may soon go private following a $3.8 billion offer from members of the founding family and Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool. Nordstrom men’s store New York City](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c548f9e1b2a81417eb754cc739799d30.jpg)
Members of the founding family partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to possibly take Nordstrom private.
![To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Elsa Peretti’s arrival at Tiffany & Co., the jeweler will feature her Bone Cuff in its ongoing campaign celebrating its most notable collections. Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Bone cuff](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b420ed7352655cdc4b8e1acdeaceb87a.jpg)
The iconic design has joined a lineup of notable pieces featured in the jeweler’s “With Love, Since 1837” campaign.
![Ralph Simons, a veteran luxury executive whose resume includes stints at Frederique Constant, Chopard North America, and Tane Mexico 1942, has been named CEO of jewelry brand Cadar. New Cadar CEO Ralph Simons](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/701ba9af82dedc21b73702ac33d75523.jpg)
Ralph Simons is now CEO of the jewelry brand started by fashion designer Michal Kadar and her husband, Avraham Kadar, in 2015.
![Duvall O’Steen, left, and Jen Cullen Williams are independent communications strategists and senior consultants for the Luxury Brand Group. They can be reached at DuvallOsteenNYC@gmail.com or Jen@JenCullenWilliams.com. National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f7ee249ac6084ae5aecc52b78bb4718f.jpg)
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen say it’s all about giving your social media feeds a human touch.
![Model Taylor Hill (pictured left) wore Messika’s “So Move” pieces, while model and singer Soo Joo Park showcased the brand’s “Move Noa” pieces. Models Taylor Hill and Soo Joo Park wearing Messika jewelry](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f3b02e2a7a2e84c27e40230b2352bc23.jpg)
The models and friends of founder and artistic designer Valérie Messika showcase the brand’s jewelry in the “Back to Icons” campaign.