HEUER
1946 Heuer 'Pre-Carrera' Big Eyes, Black Gilt Dial - Ref. 433
A Fine and very Rare chronograph with a striking black gilt dial.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This is a stunning and clean example of a 1946 Heuer Reference 433 chronograph, often referred to as a “Pre-Carrera” range. They formed the basis for the iconic Carrera line. This 433 particular example is powered by a modified Valjoux 22 movement and is quite rare to find, especially in such a near to mint original condition.
The case has never been polished, with sharp edges and defined beveled lugs, all parts are original.
This is one amazingly attractive timepiece.
THE STORY
The Heuer watches that begin appearing in the 1940s include some that are very much sought after classics today. Elements of models like the 433 can be seen in later watches like the Carrera. Occasionally, these watches are referred to as “pre-Carreras”, some similarities are clear.
The 433 is a very attractive watch, with its black gilt dial featuring large counters, known as 'Big Eyes'. This example, dating from the end of the WWII, still has the non-waterproof bar pushers and shallow Heuer shield.
Aware of the power of brand, Heuer also saw the benefit of linking eminent personalities with their watches, foreshadowing the later “ambassadors” programme. One such noted individual at the end of the WWII was General Eisenhower, of course later to become US president, who purchased and wore one black dialled 'Pre-Carrera'.
THE DATA
- Maker: Heuer
- Model: Pre-Carrera 'Big Eyes'
- Reference: 433
- Case N°: 641XX
- Year: 1946
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxT): 35x46x11mm
- Caliber: Ed. Heuer & Co (Base: Valjoux 22)
- Bracelet/Strap: Genuine leather
- Lug width: 20mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This chronograph is in very well preserved condition, The black gilt dial matching perfectly the original gold 'Leaf' hands and indexes is absolutely stunning and makes this particular watch a real beauty. All parts are untouched and unpolished, the sharp angles are preserved. It has a very elegant and sporty presence on the wrist an can be worn daily.
1944 Heuer 'Pre-Carrera' Tropical Caramel Dial - Valjoux 72 - Ref. 2443
A Fine and Rare chronograph with a striking unique tropical dial.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This is a stunning and clean example of a 1944 Heuer Reference 2443 chronograph, often referred to as a “Pre-Carrera”. They formed the basis for the iconic Carrera line. This particular example is powered by the legendary Valjoux 72 movement, which was also used in the Rolex Daytona and other high-end chronographs, and features an exceedingly rare white dial that turned to light brown with the time.
The chronograph is in excellent condition. The case has never been polished, with sharp edges and defined beveled lugs.
This is one amazingly attractive timepiece.
THE STORY
The Heuer watches that begin appearing in the 1940s include some that are very much sought after classics today. Elements of models like the 2443 and 2447 can be seen in later watches like the Carrera, which even shares a model reference with the earlier watch. Occasionally, these watches are referred to as “pre-Carreras”, some similarities are clear.
The 2443 is an attractive watch, with its silver white dial that turned 'Tropical' with the time and this example, dating from just before the end of the war, still has the non-waterproof bar pushers and shallow Heuer shield.
Aware of the power of brand, Heuer also saw the benefit of linking eminent personalities with their watches, foreshadowing the later “ambassadors” programme. One such noted individual at the end of the war was General Eisenhower, of course later to become US president, who purchased and wore one 2443 in 1945.
Later 2443s would adopt the waterproof pushers and the fuller Heuer shield familiar to many collectors from the 1960s watches.
THE DATA
- Maker: Heuer
- Model: Pre-Carrera
- Reference: 2443
- Case N°: 614XX
- Year: 1944
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxT): 35,5x43x12mm
- Caliber: Ed. Heuer & Co (Base: Valjoux 72)
- Bracelet/Strap: Genuine leather
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This chronograph is in very well preserved condition, The even 'Tropical' patina of the dial matching perfectly the original gold 'Leaf' hands and indexes is absolutely stunning and makes this particular watch unique. All parts are untouched and unpolished, the sharp angles are preserved. It has a very elegant and sporty presence on the wrist an can be worn daily.
1971 Heuer Calculator - Cal. 12 - Ref. 110.633
A Fine and very well preserved chronograph.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Heuer Calculator was designed for those who wanted a slide rule on their wrist for conducting mathematical calculations. Today, it stands out as a rare and unusual model at a more approachable price point than other vintage Heuer models.
This chronograph is in excellent condition. The case has never been polished, with sharp edges, defined beveled lugs and most important, the slide rule is like new.
This is one impressive timepiece.
THE STORY
The Heuer Calculator has a following among those seeking cool tools of industrial design from the past. Although it can look a little impressive and large at first, it can actually be quite comfortable and cool on the wrist. The first thing you notice is the slide rule on the bezel. The outer ring rotates and the inner remains fixed. The slide rule is designed to measure distance and also convert weight and volume from the imperial to the metric system and vice versa, among other calculations. Keeping all the slide rule portion on the bezel allows the dial to remain uncluttered, retaining a Heuer look from the 1970s with the bright neon hands and the subdial markers with a date at six. The watch was offered in navy blue as seen in this example and in black. The Design Director of BMW Group, Adrian van Hooydonk, has been seen wearing a Heuer Calculator over the years.
THE DATA
- Maker: Heuer
- Model: Calculator
- Reference: 110.633
- Case N°:
- Year: 1971
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 45x47x15mm
- Caliber: Heuer, self-winding, caliber 12
- Bracelet/Strap: Genuine leather
- Lug width: 22mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This chronograph is in very well preserved condition, especially the sliding rule that is usually scratched and erased .All parts are original and untouched. It has a virile and sporty presence on the wrist an can be worn daily.
1972 Heuer Autavia 'Orange Boy' - Cal. 12 - Ref. 11630 MH
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A Fine and Iconic chronograph.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Heuer Autavia ref. 11630MH with a black dial and neon orange accents evolved an early automatic chronograph in a very distinctive way.
The Heuer Autavia is one of the most iconic models produced by the manufacture. First introduced as a wristwatch in 1962, the word “Autavia” is a combination of “auto” and “aviation.”
The orange-and-black version was nicknamed "Orange Boy" by collectors for the striking orange accents used in the 30-minute counter and the handset which brought out a 1970s vibe.
This is one impressive timepiece.
THE STORY
The Heuer ref. 11630MH (MH for the minute/hour indication on the bezel) was introduced in 1972 as the second generation of the much loved ref. 1163 series. It retained its 42mm case with the classic sunburst finish and was produced in several dial variations.
The outer bezel had gotten wider with an added luminous dot placed in the inverted triangle at 12 o'clock. The crystal was upgraded to a mineral version for greater durability, but the biggest difference was the case construction. The case was thicker by almost 1.5mm compared to the previous model. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two references is the fact that the pushers are entirely visible from the back of ref. 11630. The present example is in overall great condition, with a beautiful immaculate black dial and a very well preserved bezel.
THE DATA
- Maker: Heuer
- Model: Autavia 'Orange Boy'
- Reference: 11630 MH
- Case N°: 3012XX
- Year: 1972
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 42x47x15mm
- Caliber: Heuer caliber 12
- Bracelet/Strap: Original stainless steel Heuer
- Lug width: 20mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
The dial, hands and bezel are in great condition, the lume on the hands and on the dial are complete. The bevels on both sides of the case are clearly visible. The sunburst finish on the top of the case is present. The original stainless steel strap is unpolished and in top 'unstretched' condition. The dial, case, movement, strap and crown are all signed, "Heuer". The steel strap has all it links and thus can fit a very large wrist.
It has a virile and sporty presence on the wrist an can be worn daily.
1974 Heuer Carrera 'Panda Dial' - Cal. 12 - Ref. 1153 S
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A Fine and Iconic chronograph.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This Carrera reference 1153 S is a fantastic unpolished example with a mesmerizing panda dial ranging from dark metallic blue to slate grey to black depending on the light and angle. The original dial is immaculate with all its lume plots present.
THE STORY
The Carrera reference 1153 was part of the legendary trio of watches Heuer introduced in 1969 to house their line of automatic chronographs; the other watches were the Monaco reference 1133 and the Autavia reference 1163. Heuer was one of the companies seeking to develop the first automatic chronograph and as part of a coalition with Breitling, Hamilton, Dubois-Depraz, and Buren, introduced the caliber 11 in 1969. Unlike the Monaco, which was a completely new reference for Heuer when it was introduced in 1969, the Carrera 1153 was meant to be an adaptation of the Carrera introduced in 1963, but designed as a more elegant racing chronograph. The Carrera reference 1153 still used an inner tension ring that could display information like its predecessors, such as the Carrera reference 2447, but instead used this inner ring to display a tachymeter track (and on rare instances other tracks), with the seconds track returning to the central dial. This is part of a rare early run of the reference 1153N; N stands for “Noir” or black, but in this case we have an unusual dark metallic dial that can go from black to blue depending on the light and angle. Mick Jagger wore this reference, although it is possible his was the “second execution” with white-striped hour and minute hands since it is difficult to precisely tell from the photos of him wearing it at the time. This is the “third execution” version featuring steel hands without any painted stripe on them. This is a classic and well-preserved vintage Heuer.
THE DATA
- Maker: Heuer
- Model: Carrera 'Panda Dial'
- Reference: 1153 S
- Case N°: 2227XX
- Year: 1974
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 39x45x15mm
- Caliber: Heuer caliber 12
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather with Original stainless steel Heuer pinbuckle
- Lug width: 20mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
The dial and the hands are in great condition, the lume on the hands and on the dial are complete. The bevels on both sides of the unpolished case are clearly visible and sharp. The satinated finish on the top of the case is present. The dial, case, movement, crown and pinbuckle are all signed, "Heuer".
It has a virile and sporty presence on the wrist with its 39mm case an can be worn daily.
1970 - Heuer Carrera (MK1) - Ref. 73653 N
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A Fine and Iconic chronograph.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This Carrera reference 73653 N is a fantastic example with a mesmerizing reverse-panda dial ranging from dark metallic black to charcoal gray depending on the light and angle. The overal condition is absolutely incredible, not to mention the immaculate original dial with all its lume plots present. This reference (N), is the very sought after 'first execution'.
Heuer continued to use manual wind movements well into the 1970's adapting case design to suit the new decade. The 73653 is just such an example with a manual wind Valjoux 7736 movement housed in the more modern 1970's Carrera case. The case is similar to that used in the first automatic Carrera and features a brushed finish with 20 mm lugs and a domed plexi.
THE STORY
The Carrera was released the same year as the Rolex Daytona, and they are both named after famous races, the Carrera for the extremely dangerous Carrera Panamericana race through Mexico, but the Carrera has many features that set it apart from its contemporaries.
Heuer’s Carrera was designed with legibility in mind. The goal was to create a chronograph that was sleek and uncluttered. Heuer had patented a new steel tension ring to hold the crystal in place. In order to keep the dial as clean as possible, this ring was painted to feature the 1/5 second demarcations. This along with the basic baton markers helped to create the simple, minimal look Heuer had in mind.
The Heuer 73653 N is the successor to the earlier "4 digit" Carrera references of the 1960s and features the updated Valjoux 7736 chronograph movement. The 73653 N has an undoubtedly 1970s charm while remaining true to its Carrera heritage. This specific model features a lovely charcoal metallic dial with white sub-dials and outer tachymeter scale, the hands are easily legible and the red sweep-seconds chronograph hand makes for a stylish contrasting aesthetic. The Heuer Carrera has a rich racing history but the 73653 N is loved by automotive and watch enthusiast alike, perfect for anyone who enjoys a beautiful chronograph wristwatch.
THE DATA
- Maker: Heuer
- Model: Carrera MK1 'Reverse-Panda Dial'
- Reference: 73653 N
- Case N°: 1664XX
- Year: 1970
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 39x44x13mm
- Caliber: Heuer, base Valjoux 7736
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather with Original stainless steel Heuer pinbuckle
- Lug width: 20mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
The overal condition is ubelievable, the dial is perfect, the original lume on the hands and dial is complete. The angles are sharp and the satinated finish on the case is present. The dial, case, movement, crown and pinbuckle are all signed, "Heuer".
It has a virile and sporty presence on the wrist with its 39mm case and can be worn daily.
