THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: HEUER
MODEL: 5408
YEAR: 1940s
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

It is no secret that we love 60s and 70s Heuer chronographs here at Fathom. Over the past few months alone, we’ve had the pleasure of stocking many iconic models, including the Autavia, Carrera, Camaro, Monaco, Monza, Silverstone, and Skipper. While these utilitarian, sports-focused chronographs undoubtedly represent Heuer’s most glorious era, the brand’s chronograph heritage dates back several decades earlier.

We’re proud to present this Heuer pre-Carrera chronograph, nicknamed the "Big Eye" due to its strikingly oversized subdials. In the 1940s, Heuer released a series of two-register chronographs, such as references 343, 347, 2402, 2406, and 2433, powered by the reliable Landeron 13 and Valjoux 23 movements. This particular example features a black gilt dial housed in a 36mm stainless steel case—considered oversized for the era. Remarkably, the dial remains in incredible condition after eight decades, with sharp gilt writing and markings and only minor signs of wear. The markers and hands were likely relumed with early glow tritium in the late 50s / early 60s, as suggested by the Geiger count. The case is in equally fantastic condition.

The watch is running perfectly after a recent service, measuring +5 s/d, 260 amplitude, with a 0.4 ms beat error. This is truly an incredible watch in person—despite Jake’s best efforts, you really need to try it on to fully appreciate the warmth and beauty that this Heuer brings.