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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
