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Sotheby’s auction of a Heuer Monaco identified as worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans closed on June 15, 2026. The circa-1969 Reference 1133B carried an estimate of $500,000–$1,000,000, but the public lot page reviewed does not show its realized price. The watch is distinct from another McQueen-associated Monaco that sold for $2,208,000 at Phillips in 2020.
Which Heuer Monaco was offered at Sotheby’s?
Sotheby’s Important Watches Lot 71 was a blue-dial, stainless-steel Heuer Monaco Reference 1133B, case number 159’381, dated circa 1969. The catalog specifies an automatic Calibre 11 movement with 20 jewels, a 46 x 40 mm case and a stainless-steel Heuer “sun” buckle. It was offered with a lockbox marked “1970 LE MANS.” Sotheby’s lot listing
The auction closed June 15, 2026. Sotheby’s listed an estimate of $500,000–$1,000,000; the public page reviewed does not display a sale result. That estimate is not a realized price, so the available information does not establish how much this particular watch sold for.
What does the catalog say about its connection to McQueen?
Sotheby’s traces the watch’s provenance from Steve McQueen to Don Nunley, property master for the 1971 film Le Mans. The catalog says the present owner acquired it from Nunley on April 24, 2008. It also describes more than 400 documents from Nunley’s archive, over 200 photographic reproductions, a sworn and signed affidavit dated September 9, 2016, and a signed letter dated May 21, 2009. Sotheby’s provenance details
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In the affidavit, Nunley described the watch as “worn by Steve McQueen most often throughout the film and on set,” as quoted in Sotheby’s catalog. That is Nunley’s attributed statement, supported in the listing by the described provenance and archival material; it should not be mistaken for a separate authentication conclusion.
How is this different from the Monaco sold in 2020?
The $2,208,000 figure often associated with a McQueen Heuer Monaco is from a separate watch sold at Phillips’ Racing Pulse auction on December 12, 2020. Phillips described that Reference 1133 as a gift from McQueen to his personal mechanic, Haig Alltounian, and called the result a world auction record for any Heuer at the time. Phillips’ 2020 auction announcement
Rank #2
| Watch | Auction and price information | Documented connection |
|---|---|---|
| Sotheby’s, 2026: Monaco Reference 1133B, case 159’381 | Lot 71; closed June 15, 2026. Estimate: $500,000–$1,000,000. Realized price: not shown on the public lot page reviewed (Sotheby’s). | Catalog provenance runs from McQueen to Le Mans property master Don Nunley; it describes Nunley’s archive and affidavit. |
| Phillips, 2020: Monaco Reference 1133 | Sold December 12, 2020, for $2,208,000 (Phillips). | Phillips described it as a watch McQueen gifted to mechanic Haig Alltounian. |
The different references, provenance and auction dates identify different watches. The Phillips result cannot be used as the Sotheby’s lot’s sale price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why is the Monaco associated with Le Mans?
The Monaco launched in 1969, the year of the Sotheby’s watch, and became closely tied to McQueen’s racing-film image. TAG Heuer Heritage Director Nicholas Biebuyck describes the model as “the first square, water resistant chronograph” and its movement as “the first commercially available automatic chronograph calibre.” Those “first” descriptions are the brand’s historical account. TAG Heuer’s history of the Monaco and Le Mans
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Rank #3
- Classic Style Men Mechanical wristwatch
- Stainless Steel Watch Strap Fold up with Safety
- Oblong(square) Case White Dial with Stripes
- Day and Date Sub Dials with Luminous Hands
- The watch is powered by the motion of the wearer's wrist. If the watch is not worn for 8 or more active hours per day, it will run slower than usual or even stop briefly.
Biebuyck’s retrospective account says six Reference 1133B watches were required for McQueen and the production, accommodating backups and filming needs. He also describes several later histories for watches used in the film, including examples given to McQueen’s business manager Bill Maher and mechanic Haig Alltounian, as well as watches retained or distributed by Nunley. That broader history helps explain why multiple McQueen-linked Monacos exist; the Sotheby’s lot’s specific chain of custody rests on its own catalog.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High Quality Quartz Movement: Precise and stable travel time with accurate and easy to read display, easy to deal with complicated work. The watch uses the SR920SW battery and is easy to replace
- Luminous Function: Simple and deep light adds a charm to the mysterious darkness; according to the length of sunshine, the light source can be absorbed and stored, and the time can be read clearly at night
- Durable Rectangle Case Construction: Rectangle case is made of alloy, light material, anti-corrosion and wear-resistant, not easy to fade. Durable and wear-resistant, smooth and translucent, clear when reading
- Fashion Multifunction Watch: Time Display, Calendar Date Display, Stopwatch (1 circle = 1 minute, 1 circle = 1 hour, 1 circle = 24 hours). Chronograph function watch suitable for casual use, office work, sport, business, party, outdoor, and more
- 3ATM Life Waterproof: You can use it when raining and washing hands, but it does not support hot water, swimming, showering, or diving
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