THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: HEUER
MODEL: 1533G
YEAR: 1972
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
The 1960s and ’70s were a golden era for sports chronographs, with numerous iconic models emerging from historic manufacturers such as Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Universal Genève. However, few would argue against Heuer being the king of utilitarian, sports-focused chronographs during this period. In particular, Heuer released an array of racing chronographs—the Autavia, Carrera, Camaro, Monaco, and Monza—that remain iconic to this day.
The Monaco, perhaps one of the most recognisable watch designs of all time, was first released in 1969. It was among the very first commercially available automatic chronographs, powered by the Calibre 11. Its daring square silhouette was cemented in horological history when Steve McQueen wore it in the 1971 film Le Mans. The earliest Monacos featured the blue-dial ref. 1133B, followed by the metallic-grey ref. 1133G in 1972.
In the same year, Heuer introduced the ref. 1533, which housed the Calibre 15 movement. This replaced the 12-hour chronograph register at 9 o’clock with a running seconds subdial, while otherwise retaining the same bold design language as the 1133.
The Monaco has real presence for a vintage watch: at 40mm wide and 14mm thick, it remains substantial even by modern standards. The grey dial on this example is superb, showing light oxidation around the edge where the gasket meets the dial. All tritium lume plots on the dial and hands remain intact, having aged to a warm, creamy patina. The case remains extremely full and sharp, and the original bracelet is included, fitting comfortably up to an 18.5cm wrist.
The watch has just been serviced and is running superbly at +3 s/d, 280 amplitude, with a 0.3 ms beat error. A new old stock crystal was fitted, along with fresh gaskets—essential for preserving these models.