100th Auction
2019/11/15
Lot 46
Heuer, Swiss, "Monaco", Ref. 74033N, Cal. 7740, 40 x 45 mm, circa 1974
A legendary "cult" wristband chronograph in near mint condition, with date, 30 min. and 12h counter, so called "Dark Lord" - with original box
Case: steel, original PVD coating, steel push back, original PVD-coated Heuer steel buckle. Dial: black, luminous indexes.
There are no exact records of how many examples of the Heuer model "Monaco Dark Lord" were in fact produced – figures vary between 100 and 200 pieces. We know, however, that production ran for one year only (1974) and that the model was never presented in an official catalogue. This makes it one of the rarest and most valuable chronographs the Heuer company ever produced, a true "Holy Grail".
The "Dark Lord" is the first Heuer wristwatch with a PVD coated case and one of the last chronographs of the Monaco series. It was introduced on the marked at a time when the thickness of the coating was still being tested – it is certainly a stroke of luck that presents us with an example where the coating is still faultless! The watch also still has its original leather strap and the original clasp.
The black, almost magical effect of the case and the black dial with the distinctive, bright orange-coloured chronograph hands are what lends the "Monaco Dark Lord" its particular appeal and make it the Holy Grail of Heuer timepieces for many collectors. The model takes its nickname from its similarity to the distinctive helmet of Star Wars character Darth Vader.
A legendary "cult" wristband chronograph in near mint condition, with date, 30 min. and 12h counter, so called "Dark Lord" - with original box
Case: steel, original PVD coating, steel push back, original PVD-coated Heuer steel buckle. Dial: black, luminous indexes.
There are no exact records of how many examples of the Heuer model "Monaco Dark Lord" were in fact produced – figures vary between 100 and 200 pieces. We know, however, that production ran for one year only (1974) and that the model was never presented in an official catalogue. This makes it one of the rarest and most valuable chronographs the Heuer company ever produced, a true "Holy Grail".
The "Dark Lord" is the first Heuer wristwatch with a PVD coated case and one of the last chronographs of the Monaco series. It was introduced on the marked at a time when the thickness of the coating was still being tested – it is certainly a stroke of luck that presents us with an example where the coating is still faultless! The watch also still has its original leather strap and the original clasp.
The black, almost magical effect of the case and the black dial with the distinctive, bright orange-coloured chronograph hands are what lends the "Monaco Dark Lord" its particular appeal and make it the Holy Grail of Heuer timepieces for many collectors. The model takes its nickname from its similarity to the distinctive helmet of Star Wars character Darth Vader.
Sold
estimated
40.000—70.000 €
Price realized
51.000 €