Heuer - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: 1551 SGSZ
    Case No: 4699, caseback further engraved Bundeswehr 6645-12-148-2298
    Model Name: Bundeswehr "Sternzeit Reguliert"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 230, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 42mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case signed Heuer-Leonidas, dial signed Heuer
    Accessories: Accompanied by a leather portfolio of astronomical calculations and sky chart bearing NATO stock number 6675-12-308-6782

  • Catalogue Essay

    Heuer’s Bundeswehr flyback chronograph watch was made for the German military from the 1960s until the early 1970s. The brand manufactured the watches to meet the specifications required by each branch of the force, and therefore there are several variations of the model available. The present example is the rare “Sternzeit Reguliert” model, which rarely appears at auction. The designation “Sternzeit Reguliert” printed at the bottom of the dial is German for “sidereal time”. This is the method to tell time based on the earth’s rotation in relationship to a distant star and not the sun. A sidereal day lasts 23 hours and 56 minutes.
    German artillery forces used sidereal time along with theodolite positions to determine horizontal and vertical planes, which were instrumental in rocket launching. The case back is engraved with the 13-digit NATO stock number “Bundeswehr 6645-12-148-2298” and is typical of these military timepieces. The present lot is not only an extremely rare example, but is in superb condition with strong bevelled lugs, an untouched dial, and original cuff bracelet. Furthermore, the lot is accompanied by the original full portfolio of astronomical calculations and a sky chart. Collectors affectionately refer to these German military watches as the “Bund”, and this rugged and well preserved example will delight connoisseurs of military timepieces.

  • Artist Biography

    Heuer

    Swiss • 1860

    This iconic chronograph manufacturer has a long tradition of precision timekeeping. As early as 1882, founder Edouard Heuer held a patent for a chronograph watch; in 1887, he received a patent for an oscillating pinion, which is still in use today. These specialized timepieces have been at the heart of the firm's success, enabling the brand to be chosen as early timekeepers for the Olympics. In 1969, the company introduced their first automatic chronograph watch, the Monaco Heuer, which celebrated the Monaco Grand Prix. Other key chronograph models include the Autavia and the Carrera, all of which having become iconic models of the firm.

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67

Ref. 1551 SGSZ
A very rare and attractive stainless steel military issued fly-back chronograph wristwatch accompanied by a portfolio of astronomical calculations and sky chart

1968
42mm. Diameter
Case signed Heuer-Leonidas, dial signed Heuer

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€7,300-11,000
$8,200-12,400

Sold for CHF18,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016