49 years after the release of Steve McQueen’s underrated passion project, Le Mans, the actor and film are back in the spotlight. One of the six TAG Heuer Monaco watches worn by McQueen during filming has sold at auction for a whopping $2.2 million. 

The sale occurred via Phillips New York’s “Racing Pulse Auction,” with interested customers able to make bids online or over the phone. The last of the watches from the 1971 film still up for sale fetched a cool $2,208,000, selling for $1 million more than experts predicted. It’s now the most expensive TAG Heuer ever sold. 

Image: TAG Heuer

The Heuer Monaco is the epitome of men’s style. Made famous by McQueen, the watch became a must-have accessory for men in the 70s and is always associated with the Bullitt star. It’s a timeless piece of craftsmanship with a distinct, blue square dial. The watch is often recognised as one of the world’s first timepieces to feature automatic chronograph and continues to be a big seller today as part of TAG’s “Heritage series.”

This particular watch was gifted to McQueen’s mechanic on the film, Haig Alltounian. He wore the watch regularly before deciding to keep it locked up at home. The back of the case includes an engraved message from McQueen to Alltounian, aiding the authenticity of the sale.

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Image: TAG Heuer

Bidding initially started at just $160,000 but soon escalated, with this slick timepiece selling for around $1.2 million more than than the fifth Heuer Monaco that sold at auction in 2012. 

Check out the trailer for Le Mans below and pick up your own TAG Heuer Monaco here.

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