For Sale – Vintage Heuer Monaco, “Transitional” model, one of the “grails” among the vintage Heuer chronographs.

The "Transitional" Monacos came between the first production model (with “Chronomatic” on the dial) and the standard production "Steve McQueen" model. The Transitional Monaco has (a) distinctive midnight blue paint, with a metallic / grain finish that changes dramatically under different types of lighting and when viewed from different angles, and (b) polished steel hands, with rectangular tips.

Here are the details:

• the dial on this one appears almost perfect to my eye. “Naked” image shows that the blue paint is intact, from edge to edge; no damage to dial or evidence of seal melt. Lume dots are original and intact, except the dots at 8 and 11 show some disintegration.
• I believe that the case has its original finish, and has not been polished; edges are sharp; case shows very light wear; no deep scratches; no significant dings or dents
• polished steel hands are beautiful; I believe that the lume in the hands is original; to my eye, no evidence of having been relumed.
• original Caliber 11 movement has not been modified to Cal 11-i and Caliber 12 specs; date change begins at 11:45; notice the larger jumper springs (8270 and 8705) on this Cal 11 (compared to the lighter ones on later models.
• chronograph functions (start / stop / reset) are quick and crisp; service history is unknown, but the watch is running well.
• I believe that the crystal is original; note flaws in the crystal above 11 o’clock marker and below 7 o’clock marker; these flaws are in the crystal, not in the dial.
• serial number 158024 is correct for Transitional Monaco.
• on aftermarket leather strap; midnight blue with matching stitching
• Price is $21,000 (firm), plus shipping and insurance (required). Compare recent sale on ChronoTrader at $23,400.
• Payment by bank wire or check; no PayPal.

Jeff