Steve McQueen's Last Heuer Monaco From 'Le Mans' Could Fetch Up to $1 Million USD at Auction
Sotheby’s New York offers the timepiece with extensive ‘Le Mans’ production archives and a sworn provenance from Don Nunley.
Summary
- Sotheby’s will auction the final Heuer Monaco screen-worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans during a New York sale on June 15
- The historic timepiece features case number 159’381 and arrives with a lockbox containing more than 400 archival documents from the original production
- Property master Don Nunley provided a sworn affidavit confirming this specific watch spent the most time on McQueen’s wrist during filming
Sotheby’s New York is preparing to auction Steve McQueen‘s most extensively screen-worn Heuer Monaco from the set of the legendary racing film Le Mans. Bidders will compete for Lot 71 in the upcoming Important Watches sale on June 15. The highly coveted reference 1133B carries a pre-sale estimate of $500,000 USD to $1,000,000 USD. This particular blue-dial chronograph was one of seven Heuer Monaco timepieces used during the historic production and one of three acquired by property master Don Nunley after filming concluded in late 1970. Nunley previously sold two other examples in the early 2000s. The current offering represents his final piece and stands out due to its remarkable on-set history.
The auction lot delivers an unprecedented level of documentation for Hollywood memorabilia. The watch arrives with a lockbox labeled “1970 LE MANS” containing more than 400 archival documents and 200 photographic reproductions from the set. A sworn affidavit from Nunley dated September 9 2016 attesting to its use elevates the provenance of the piece. The property master explicitly confirmed this specific stainless steel watch spent the most time on McQueen’s wrist during the grueling film shoot. Experts note the extensive wear visible on the 46 by 40 millimeter case directly reflects its heavy rotation during the iconic racing scenes.
Beyond its formidable Hollywood pedigree the Monaco holds a landmark position in horological history. Introduced in 1969 the model debuted as one of the first commercially available automatic chronographs. The revolutionary Caliber 11 movement powers the watch inside a highly distinctive square water-resistant case. Signature design elements include a vibrant blue dial with red hands and white subdials. The unusual layout places the winding crown on the left side while the chronograph pushers sit on the right. Its prominent placement in Le Mans cemented the silhouette as a cultural icon that continues to influence modern watchmaking.
McQueen transformed the Heuer Monaco into an essential grail for collectors worldwide. The actor famously gravitated toward authentic racing gear to capture the raw energy of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His choice of the square chronograph instantly aligned the model with motorsport prestige. The upcoming Sotheby’s auction provides a rare opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of that cinematic legacy. This sale joins a broader roster of significant historical timepieces hitting the block but the cultural weight of the McQueen connection ensures the reference 1133B will command center stage. The watch remains in exceptional condition considering its active role in a high-speed production environment.
