HEUER.
AN EXTREMELY RARE MEN'S 18K YELLOW GOLD MANUAL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH

Model: Carrera 12 First Execution
Date: Circa 1964's
Case reference: 2446
Movement: Signed, Heuer-Leonidas SA, 17-Jewels, Cal. Valjoux 72
Dial: Signed, white with a beautiful tropical patina, gilt applied baton hour markers, gilt sword hands, black outer minutes division, gilt centre seconds hand for chronograph, subsidiary dial for seconds at the 9 o'clock position, subsidiary dial for chronograph minutes at the 3 o'clock position, subsidiary dial chronograph hours at the 6 o'clock position
Case: Signed, polished 18K yellow gold, screw down back, No. 100XXX
Strap: Black
Size: 35.2mm

This watch is an extremely rare 18K yellow gold example of the Carrera 12 First Execution reference 2456 which was produced only in very limited numbers beginning in 1963. Heuer's only second watch after the Autavia to be given a name, it is a superb example of a sports chronograph from the golden era of motor sports and mechanical watches, especially chronographs in 1960's which comes with a strong racing pedigree. The name was given by Jack Heuer as a tribute to the famous Mexican cross-country “Carrera Panamericana” car race of the 1950’s and was made to be an effective and easy-to-read chronograph able to record up to 12 hours.

In the same year the Carrera debutted, another early chronograph, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, came out and the two watches initally shared many features. Both were powered by (near) identical Valjoux 72 movements while the dials, made by Singer, are virtually identical with the same baton hour markers, machined registers and numerals. A clear distinction, however, was in the design of the bezel on the Carrera which Jack Heuer had the idea to paint on the inside on the angled torsion ring that had been developed in the early 1960's as a means of securing the crystal while providing more water resistance. This together with a polished case and bevelled lugs typical of Heuer and made by Piquerez, makes the design of the Carrera a clean and easy-to-read watch that despite the similarities makes it clearly distinct from its Rolex cousin. While the Daytona is the more famous, both models have made their mark on later chronographs and the Carrera has become an icon in its own right due to its classic design and functionality inspiring generations of watches.

On our watch, the incredibly rare white dial with gilt baton hour markers and hands with luminous inserts, is enhanced by a beautiful tropical patina, while the 3 recessed subsidiary dials look stunning with guilloche centres. This is all elegantly encased within a 35mm polished 18K yellow gold case inspired by the modernist architecture of the 1960’s featuring a screw down back, large chronograph pushers and a signed crown made for being handled while wearing gloves. Powering the watch is the legendary 17-jewel Valjoux 72 manual movement signed “Heuer-Leonidas SA” ensuring the continued reliability of the timepiece.

Due to the rarity and collectible value of this watch, it would be a highly desirable addition to any collection and should appeal especially to any fans of vintage sports chronographs.