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Heuer Monaco ‘Dark Lord’ Chronograph Watch ref. 74033N

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Manufacturer: Heuer
Year: Circa 1975
Reference: 74033N
Model Name: Monaco “Dark Lord”
Material: PVD coated stainless steel
Calibre: Manual-winding cal. 7740 with 17 jewels
Dimensions: 38 mm length x 40 mm width
Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Estimate: $2000- 4000

Literature:
The black PVD Heuer Monaco Reference 74033N (N for noir – black in French), nicknamed the “Dark Lord” by collectors, is a rather mythical watch. Some have seen photos but very few have held one. The Monaco was first launched in 1969 and was the first square-cased waterproof chronograph. Nevertheless, sales were not up to par with expectations and it seems that in a last effort to save this model, it was decided to make a black PVD model. According to Jack Heuer, the idea came to him after he had seen the King of Spain wearing a black watch. A very small run of these black PVD Monacos were made in the mid 1970s and it remains uncertain if they were production pieces or prototypes. Accordingly, this reference never made it into a catalogue. Visually speaking, the simple and clean design is one of the most striking ones seen on any wristwatch thanks to the superbly contrustuous colors: black for the background, white for the time indication hands, and a bright orange hand for the chronograph function. So exceptional is the present lot, it is featured prominently in Richard Crosthwaite’s “Heuer Monaco – Design Classic” reference book. Stating that the present example of the Heuer Monaco 74033N is desirable is an understatement. This watch is over 40 years old, yet looks as if it just left the Heuer ateliers yesterday. It is in absolutely pristine condition and the black PVD coating shows no signs of wear.

 

References:

Vintage Heuer Triple Chronograph Watch ref. 2446 2nd Execution 1964
Heuer “Monaco” Watch – 1968
Tag Heuer History

John BUZZUFY

John BUZZUFY

Looking for information on watches, watch parts or watchmaker tools? BUZZUY blog provides valuable information on vintage and modern watches, chronographs, modern timepieces and collectibles. Follow BUZZUFY on Social Media as well for more information and updates. @buzzufy