racing pedigree
In December 2020 a very special watch was auctioned off at Phillips New York. A one of a kind Heuer Monaco.
Above: A fast scene from the movie "Le Mans" filmed in 1971, starring Steve McQueen, is based on the 24hr Le Mans race showcasing super dynamic camera angles.
In the world of iconic watches, James Bond had his Submariners and Omegas, and Paul Newman had his beloved Daytonas. Yet, when you think of Steve McQueen, it's hard not to conjure up the image of him wearing that uniquely designed Heuer Monaco. Monaco was his true horological companion, and he flaunted it in one of his lesser-known films, "Le Mans," where he portrayed the gritty race car driver Michael Delaney.
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"Le Mans" wasn't just a movie; it was McQueen's heartfelt homage to the sport he adored. It felt more like a high-octane documentary than your run-of-the-mill Hollywood plot-driven flick. Despite its lackluster box office performance, the film remains an unrivaled gem, capturing the visceral experience of being behind the wheel.
Legend has it that McQueen personally chose the Ref. 1133B Monaco for the film, and he couldn't have made a better selection. Launched in 1969, the Monaco boasted a square, water-resistant case housing the groundbreaking Calibre 11 movement, marking the dawn of automatic chronographs in Swiss watchmaking. One of McQueen's original "Michael Delaney" Monacos fetched a staggering $800,000 at auction in 2012, and another, gifted to his personal mechanic Haig Alltounian, reeled in over $2.2 million in 2020
Above: Scene from "Le Mans" Steve getting ready to burn rubber.
While the Phillips Auction unfolded in a digital realm, the suspense was palpable. Bids started at $160,000, paused briefly at $400,000, then surged again. In the end, it came down to three determined bidders on the phone with Phillips specialists, ultimately hammering at $1.8 million (before premiums) after a nail-biting nine minutes and 32 bids. The victor, Phillips' specialist James Marks, London-based, holds the coveted timepiece's fate.
This historic timepiece, which now finds a new home, emerged from the hands of Haig Alltounian, McQueen's trusted mechanic. Beyond cars, he ensured the actors' safety during filming, earning McQueen's gratitude and a Monaco engraved with his name. After being worn for two years, it found refuge in a safety deposit box for decades, a cherished relic of those exhilarating days. McQueen's generosity didn't end there; he also gifted Alltounian a Norton Commando motorcycle used in the film, a testament to their enduring friendship
Above: Case back engraved "TO HAIG LE MANS 1970"
Credit - Phillips Auctions
Today, Haig enjoys retirement, still tending to vintage motorcycles at his workshop, specializing in Vincent Motorcycles since 1988. As for the Heuer Monaco, it continues to embody the spirit of Steve McQueen and the thrill of "Le Mans," a timeless tribute to a legendary actor and his enduring love for racing and style. Here is more information at Phillips.