The Monaco, named by Jack Heuer after the celebrated grand prix circuit and launched via simultaneous press conferences in Geneva and New York in 1969, is a favourite in its many variants. It was the first chrono with a square-shaped dial.
The example offered at Lockdales of Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, on February 20 was the classic ‘Steve McQueen’ with blue dial and white subsidiaries as worn by the film star in the motor-racing movie Le Mans. Purchased new by the vendor in the early 1970s, and retaining its original bracelet, it sold at £6500.
The Silverstone was launched as a replacement for the Monaco and produced from 1974-77. It was available in three colour dials, blue, red and the smokey brown known as ‘fumeburst’.
An example of the latter sold for £4000 at Tennants on March 23.
