HEUER Monaco Ref. 1533B | Blue Dial | Calibre 15There are very few watch designs that remain as radical today as they were over fifty years ago. The Monaco is one of them. Its perfectly symmetrical, almost architectural square case contrasts beautifully with the wonderfully asymmetrical Calibre 15 dial layout—a combination that, to my eye, makes the Ref. 1533 one of the most interesting vintage Monacos.

This example was serviced by TAG Heuer in 2012 for its previous owner and has only seen occasional wear since. A new case gasket has been fitted, an important detail on these Monacos.

The watch comes with an original vintage blue HEUER presentation box, as well as vintage TROPIC sport strap fitted with an original vintage HEUER pin buckle.

As with so many original blue Monacos, the dial shows the typical corrosion along the outer edges. Rather than detracting, it reminds us how notoriously delicate these blue dials were and underlines the watch’s originality.

While the Ref. 1533 is often associated with the legendary “Steve McQueen” Monaco, it is worth noting that McQueen himself wore the earlier Ref. 1133B in Le Mans. The 1533, however, belongs to the same first generation of vintage Monacos and offers a character entirely of its own, thanks to the quirky Calibre 15 layout that many collectors have come to appreciate even more than the classic two-register design. (TAG Heuer)

An honest, charismatic vintage Monaco with the right accessories, fresh gasket, documented TAG Heuer service history, and all the design boldness that made the Monaco one of the true icons of 1970s watchmaking.