Another horological icon is set to hit the auction block!
While every luxury watch holds a story of significance, whether it symbolizes a particular moment in time or achievement, some stand out as true collector-grade examples because of historic ownership. It’s a story all of us watch nerds know all too well after witnessing Paul Newman’s coveted Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman” sell for a record-breaking $17.8 million at Phillips Auction event back in 2017. Since then, celebrity-owned watches have become an instant hit among collectors willing to pay top dollar for the extra uniqueness factor. Alongside idols like Paul Newman, American actor and racing driver Steve McQueen cemented his own legacy in the watch world with his very own TAG Heuer Monaco model featured in the 1972 movie hit Le Mans. The auction specialists at Sotheby’s are proud to make history at its upcoming Monterey Auction by showcasing one of Steve McQueen’s TAG Heuer Monacos from his personal collection.
While it’s known that TAG Heuer sent over six Monaco watches for the filming of Le Mans, it’s also confirmed that four featured a black leather strap, and the other two came fitted on traditional stainless steel bracelets. The leather strap version clearly became a fan favorite for the actor, as he is shown predominantly wearing it throughout the film, adding even more value to this upcoming auction lot. The classic square case styling of the TAG Heuer Monaco is accentuated by its deep, matte blue dial, vibrant red hands and indexes, and contrasting sub-dials. With the last Le Mans-featured Steve McQueen Monaco selling for $2,208,000 back in 2020, setting a record for Heuer watches, Sotheby’s estimates that this example will fetch somewhere between $500K and $1 million. Making its debut at Monterey Car Week as part of Sotheby’s Important Watches category, it seems to be the perfect fuel-focused setting for selling Steve McQueen’s TAG Heuer Monaco. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.
Source: Sotheby’s
