Heuer Monaco Ref 73633 Grey Black Dial 40MM Circa 1972

Heuer Monaco 73633: A Manual-Wind Chapter in a Groundbreaking Chronograph Line

The Heuer Monaco 73633 represents a significant yet often underappreciated chapter in the history of one of the most iconic chronographs of the 20th century. While much of the spotlight has focused on the automatic Heuer Monaco 1133B, particularly due to its association with Steve McQueen and the film Le Mans, the 73633 series stands on its own merits as a technically refined, manually wound variation of the Monaco concept.

With its square case, bold colours, and distinctive chronograph design, the 73633 captures the spirit of 1970s watchmaking while offering a purist’s alternative to the Calibre 11-powered automatic models. It is a watch that blends racing pedigree with mechanical simplicity, and one that has grown in stature and collectability as enthusiasts continue to explore the broader Monaco range.

The Origins of the Monaco

The Heuer Monaco was launched in 1969, introduced in Geneva and New York on March 3rd. It was one of three models (alongside the Autavia and Carrera) introduced to showcase the revolutionary Calibre 11, one of the first automatic chronograph movements. The Monaco broke with traditional round case designs, instead embracing a radical square-shaped waterproof case made by Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA). With its blue dial, red hands, and left-hand crown, the original Monaco 1133B was instantly recognisable.

Despite its bold design, the Monaco was not a commercial success upon its release. However, it gained cult status over time, particularly after Steve McQueen wore the 1133B in the 1971 film Le Mans. Today, the Monaco is an iconic symbol of vintage motorsport chronographs.

The Introduction of the 73633

While the automatic Monaco 1133 took centre stage, Heuer also introduced a manually wound version in the form of the Monaco 73633, which appeared around 1971. This model housed a traditional Valjoux 7736 movement and catered to those who preferred mechanical hand-wound chronographs over the emerging automatic options.

The 73633 retained the square case and much of the design language of the 1133 series but replaced the two-register layout and date window with a three-register dial and no date, giving it a cleaner, more symmetrical appearance. This configuration made it visually distinct from its automatic counterpart and was appreciated by collectors for its classical chronograph arrangement.

Case and Design

The 73633 features the same 39mm square case used in the 1133 series, with angular lugs and prominent pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock. It was one of the earliest examples of a square chronograph case designed to be water-resistant, a remarkable technical feat at the time. The case was constructed from stainless steel and featured a snap-on caseback.

The signature square shape gave the Monaco a commanding presence on the wrist, despite its relatively modest dimensions by modern standards. The watch has a thickness of approximately 13mm, giving it a substantial profile, especially when combined with its broad lugs and tall crystal.

The case was finished with brushed surfaces on the top and polished sides, contributing to its distinctive geometry and contrast. The pushers are round and relatively large, offering excellent tactile feedback when using the chronograph.

Dial Variants of the 73633

The 73633 was produced in two primary dial variations:

1. 73633B (Blue Dial)

This model featured a metallic blue dial, similar to the 1133B worn by Steve McQueen. It had white sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock for the chronograph minute counter, running seconds, and 12-hour counter, respectively. The red central chronograph seconds hand and white accents provided excellent legibility.

The Heuer shield logo appeared at 12 o’clock, with “MONACO” and “SWISS” text flanking the dial. This variant is especially prized by collectors due to its close resemblance to the McQueen-worn version, albeit in a manually wound configuration and with a more traditional three-register layout.

2. 73633G (Grey Dial)

This version came with a charcoal grey or anthracite dial, also with either grey or black sub-dials (this watch). The overall aesthetic is more subdued and utilitarian, giving it a more reserved character compared to the vibrant blue version.

In both variants, the dial featured applied baton hour markers, often filled with tritium lume, and sword-style hands that offered clear readability.

Movement: Valjoux 7736

The 73633 was powered by the Valjoux 7736, a robust and well-regarded manual chronograph movement of the era. Based on the earlier 7733 (a two-register design), the 7736 added a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, creating the full tri-compax layout.

Valjoux 7736 Specifications:

• Movement type: Manual-wind
• Jewels: 17
• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour
• Chronograph functions: 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, running seconds
• Power reserve: ~45 hours
• No date complication

The absence of a date window on the 73633 gave the dial a clean, symmetrical appearance, which many collectors find aesthetically pleasing. The movement was known for its reliability and ease of servicing, making the 73633 a practical vintage watch for regular wear.

Production and Rarity

Compared to the automatic Monaco models, the 73633 was produced in smaller quantities, particularly the grey-dialed 73633G. While exact production numbers are not publicly confirmed, the manual Monacos are noticeably rarer on the vintage market.

These watches were produced for a relatively short period (circa 1971–1974), after which Heuer shifted focus almost entirely to its automatic chronograph lineup. The rise of quartz movements and the changing tastes of the market further reduced the production of traditional hand-wound chronographs during the mid- to late-1970s.

As a result, well-preserved examples of the 73633 are increasingly hard to find. Collectors today prize the reference for its combination of Monaco DNA, vintage charm, and manually wound purity.

The 73633 appeals to collectors who favour a classic chronograph layout, manual winding, and symmetrical aesthetics. It also represents a more affordable entry into vintage Monaco collecting compared to the 1133B, especially the McQueen-worn versions, which have surged in value.

The Heuer Monaco 73633 is a compelling and historically significant watch that blends the avant-garde design of the original Monaco with the mechanical purity of a manually wound chronograph. With its clean tri-compax layout, reliable Valjoux movement, and iconic square case, it offers a unique value proposition for collectors seeking something both classic and distinctive.

As appreciation grows for Heuer’s broader chronograph history, the 73633 has emerged from the shadow of the automatic 1133 models to claim its rightful place as an essential piece of the Monaco legacy.

The stainless steel case is in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of wear. Case edges are crisp with original brushed finishes intact. Fitted with a period-correct leather strap with a signed clasp.

The dial is in excellent condition with strong original finish. Sub-dials are clean.