THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: HEUER
YEAR: 1940s
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 35mm
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

It’s no secret that we love 1960s and 1970s 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 golden era, the brand’s chronograph heritage stretches back several decades earlier.

The present example dates to the 1940s, a period when Heuer released a series of elegant two-register chronographs—such as references 343, 347, 2402, 2406, and 2433—powered by reliable Landeron 13 and Valjoux 23 movements. While most of these were produced in stainless steel, the watch we have here is crafted entirely in 18K yellow gold.

Remarkably, the watch is in fantastic condition after eight decades of life. The cream/salmon-toned dial is absolutely gorgeous, accented by gold leaf hands and applied gold markers. The 35mm "step case" remains superbly sharp and shows minimal signs of polishing. We recently replaced the crystal, which now reveals the watch in all its glory.

The movement arrived in great health, running at +4 s/d, with 265 amplitude and a 0.7 ms beat error. Gold Heuer chronographs from this period have largely been forgotten by the modern watch world. We’ve had this one in our collection for well over a month but were genuinely reluctant to advertise it. It’s such a brilliant piece—one that invites you to stare endlessly, imagining the life it’s led.