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Lot Essay
Designed by Jack Heuer and named after the celebrated Formula One race the Monaco series was introduced simultaneously in Geneva and New York in 1969 and was the first square-cased and water-resistant automatic chronograph wristwatch.
The very first series was fitted with the automatic calibre 11 movement and a metallic blue dial with white registers. During the course of production, the calibre 11 movement was quickly upgraded to the calibre 11-I featuring a number of modifications to improve reliability, and finally the calibre 12 with higher frequency. During this time the dial of the 1133 also went through changes, from the metallic finish of early examples that had a tendency to fade over time, to the more familiar matte blue finish as displayed here.
With its avant-garde design, the typical 1970s coloured dial and the unique recognition factor, the "Monaco" has become a highly coveted collectors watch.
The very first series was fitted with the automatic calibre 11 movement and a metallic blue dial with white registers. During the course of production, the calibre 11 movement was quickly upgraded to the calibre 11-I featuring a number of modifications to improve reliability, and finally the calibre 12 with higher frequency. During this time the dial of the 1133 also went through changes, from the metallic finish of early examples that had a tendency to fade over time, to the more familiar matte blue finish as displayed here.
With its avant-garde design, the typical 1970s coloured dial and the unique recognition factor, the "Monaco" has become a highly coveted collectors watch.