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
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
