AceShowbiz - A legendary piece of cinematic and horological history is poised to go under the hammer. The TAG Heuer Monaco wristwatch worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 cult classic racing film Le Mans will be auctioned at Sotheby’s New York on June 15, as part of their “important watches” sale.

This iconic timepiece, famously strapped to McQueen’s wrist during the filming of Le Mans, will be offered alongside an extensive collection of documentation and archival photographs carefully preserved by Don Nunley, the film’s prop master. The provenance and rich backstory add significant allure to this already highly sought-after watch.

Prior to the auction, the Heuer Monaco will be publicly exhibited at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco through April 25, marking its first public appearance in more than five decades. This exhibition coincides with the RM Sotheby’s Monaco auction and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, events that celebrate motorsport and luxury collectibles.

Estimates for the sale place the watch’s value between $500,000 and $1,000,000, underscoring its status as a rare collector’s item. Included in the auction is a trove of material, featuring correspondence between the film production and Heuer, approximately 400 documents, and over 200 archival photographs that provide a comprehensive glimpse into the watch’s cinematic journey.

Le Mans, directed by Lee H. Katzin, who stepped in during production to replace John Sturges, tells the story of an intense rivalry between two racing drivers: Michael Delaney, played by McQueen, and Erich Stahler, portrayed by Siegfried Rauch. The film is set against the grueling endurance race in France, and the watch’s role in the production was significant.

Heuer collaborated closely with the film’s production, supplying seven Monaco watches with the signature blue dial to be used on set. One of these, believed to be a pre-production model, sold for $1.4 million at Sotheby’s New York in December 2024. The upcoming auction features the actual watch worn by McQueen on camera, described by Nunley as the one “that had the most time on McQueen’s wrist during filming.” The wear and condition of the watch clearly reflect its extensive screen use.

Sotheby’s global head of watches, Geoff Hess, expressed the significance of the auction, stating, “It is an honor for Sotheby’s to bring to market one of the most exceptional examples of any timepiece used in cinematic history.” He emphasized the watch’s continuous provenance and the unique documentation from one of America’s most passionate collectors of watches and automobiles, promising a deeper insight into this legendary story.

TAG Heuer’s heritage director, Nicholas Biebuyck, highlighted the cultural impact of Steve McQueen wearing the Monaco in Le Mans. He noted that this moment has resonated through decades, playing a crucial role in establishing the Monaco collection as a watchmaking icon. Biebuyck remarked on the watch’s mystical status within the collector community, fueled by Nunley’s documentation, and called the upcoming auction an extraordinary opportunity to explore its history in a new light.

The auction will also include a lockbox containing all the official materials, providing collectors with a comprehensive historical package. This assemblage of paperwork and photographs offers unmatched insights into the watch’s legacy and the film’s production.

The upcoming Sotheby’s auction represents a rare chance for enthusiasts and collectors to acquire a watch that is not only a symbol of motorsport heritage but also a tangible piece of film history. With its cinematic pedigree, exceptional condition, and extensive documentation, the Steve McQueen-worn TAG Heuer Monaco stands as one of the most coveted watches ever to be offered publicly.

As the auction date approaches, the spotlight is firmly on this remarkable timepiece, which continues to inspire watch aficionados and film fans alike. The sale will undoubtedly be a landmark event in both the watch collecting and entertainment memorabilia worlds.