Vintage TAG Heuer Monaco, What to Buy?
BUY A MONACO: IN CONVERSATION WITH AN EXPERT
The opinion and advice of Romain Réa, watchmaking expert and CEO of the Antiquorum auction house.
How do you see the reputation of Monaco?
Romain Réa: I would talk about a two-speed craze. It is very lively when TAG Heuer unveils new versions or “anniversary” editions. Calmer the rest of the time. Interest in Monaco is therefore stable over time, with occasional peaks.
Who is she mainly interested in it?
R.R .: Obviously motorsport enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates racing drivers’ watches, because of the history of this model.
How many different variations have been produced?
R.R.: What a terrible question! Dozens, undoubtedly, since the history of this watch began more than fifty years ago. Also, the brand has been very fruitful with a number of versions, dial colours, calibers.
Estimated between 10,000-15,000 Swiss francs (9000/13,500 euros), this Monaco 1133B (circa 1973) was sold at an Antiquorum sale in Geneva in 2018 for 12,500 Swiss francs (11,400 euros).
Fitted with a metal bracelet, this Monaco 1133G with a grey dial (circa 1974), estimated at 8,000-12,000 Swiss francs (7,300/11,000 euros), was sold for 17,500 Swiss francs (16,000 euros) in Geneva in 2017.
What are the most interesting Monaco models to collect?
R.R: I will obviously quote the original 1969 part, reference 1133B first, with its Caliber 11, its blue dial, its crown on the left and its two white counters, at 3 and 9
o'clock, with the date at 6 o'clock. It also exists with a grey dial, reference 1133G. I would then say a version released in 1972, the reference 1533, with a blue or silver dial, powered by Caliber 15. This Monaco is characterised by the presence of a single counter intended to memorize the minutes, at 3 o'clock. On the left of the dial, the hour totaliser has disappeared to make room for a small second positioned at 10 o'clock, the date remaining at 6 o'clock. Finally, I would say the first Monaco equipped with a mechanical movement with manual winding, caliber Valjoux 7736, released in the mid-1970s. Its case gains in finesse and, the main change, the crown passes to the right of the case, between the two pushers, while the dial unites three counters.
And among recent versions?
RR: All those directly linked to motor racing are to be preferred, whether they are in Gulf colours, for example, or whether they evoke Formula 1, such as the Special Titanium Edition, produced in just 500 examples, released this year on the occasion of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Which caliber should you look for first?
R.R: The Chronomatic Caliber 11 was the first automatic micro-rotor chronograph movement. It has the particularity of having been the result of collaboration between Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton-Buren and Dubois Dépraz. The Caliber 12, which succeeded it in 1971, is none other than Caliber 11, benefiting from some improvements.
Powered by a hand-wound movement, this Monaco 73633 with right-hand crown, dating from the 1970s and estimated at HK$48,000-64,000 (€5,000-7,000), sold for HK$75,000 (€8,000) in 2018.
Produced at only 150 pieces. this TAG Heuer V4 in platinum (circa 2009), estimated at between HK$216,000 and HK$388,000 (€23,000/41,000), reached HK$281,250 (€30,000) in 2020.
Are there versions to avoid?
R.R: It is all about taste and cost! The 2002 Monaco Sixty Nine featured a reversible case and was equipped with both a mechanical caliber to indicate the time on the front side and a quartz movement to provide a digital chronograph function on the back. Some hate it, others love it. The same goes for the Monaco V4 released a year later, its mechanism, spirit and look no longer have anything to do with Steve McQueen's watch, but some enthusiasts are snatching it up at a high price.
Are Monaco collectibles rare?
R.R: Yes! Even more so if they are in perfect condition, sold in their box and with all their papers. At Antiquorum, in twenty years, only 120 beautiful Monacos have been put up for sale.
Any practical advice?
R.R: If you find a Monaco from the early years, get a magnifying glass and look closely at the dial. Its metal surface must not peel off, which would indicate the presence of moisture.
What is the wisest choice to acquire your first Monaco?
It all depends on the budget and your desire: seek to make an investment or have fun above all. An old or rare coin can be worth between 5,000 and 15,000 euros, or even reach 40,000 euros. On the other hand, it is possible to find a nice recent Caliber 11 reissue between 3,500 and 4,000 euros.