Simultaneously launched in Geneva and New York on March 3rd 1969, it didn’t take long for the Heuer Monaco to assert its style and make a lasting impression. With good reason, since the model that Jack Heuer named after the Monaco Grand Prix was the first ever square, self-winding and water-resistant chronograph watch. In an era that was almost all about round watches, the Heuer Monaco immediately stood out with its imposing square, right-angled case. Carved in steel, it featured a metallic blue dial swept by a large bright red central sweep seconds hand, punctuated by two square counters and topped by a convex plastic glass. Placed on the left-hand side of the caseband, the crown provided a strong hint that the movement required no winding – since the real revolution embodied by the Heuer Monaco undoubtedly lay in its Chronomatic Calibre 11 movement. This legendary calibre was the first commercialised self-winding chronograph movement in watch industry history. Alongside its undeniable horological qualities, the Heuer Monaco soon earned legendary status, greatly prized among motor-racing enthusiasts and subsequently among collectors. It hit the track on the wrist of racing driver Jo Siffert, who wore it on racing circuits around the world. From 1970 onwards, Siffert became the first driver to be backed by a watch brand, thereby heralding the early days of automobile sponsorship. The following year, in 1971, the Monaco co-starred in Le Mans alongside Steve McQueen, who insisted on wearing it during filming. The Monaco has evolved little since 1969. Technically speaking, it is still equipped with the famous Calibre 11. On an aesthetic level, the case was built in three parts until 1998 then revisited in 2014 in a squarer version secured by four screws. The two pushbuttons featured a rectangular shape that made the lugs appear bulkier. Since 2009 the plastic glass has been replaced by a sapphire crystal. The case has also been fitted with a transparent back to reveal the inner workings. The crown is still positioned on the left. The petroleum blue dial bears two white counters, a date window at 6 o’clock, horizontal diamond-polished hour-markers as well as the vintage Heuer logo. Water-resistance, another distinguishing feature, is guaranteed to a depth of 100 metres. Five limited editions were released in 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of this emblematic square watch. Each represents the styles and trends of the five decades since the Monaco was introduced.

• The first ever square, self-winding and water-resistant chronograph watch, launched in 1969.