Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1974 Reference No: 110'573B Case No: 327'506 Model Name: Carrera "Angolan FAPLA, Barrel case" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal.12, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Heuer link bracelet, max length 200mm. Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Literature: The present watch is illustrated in "Heuer Carrera Chronographs 1963 – 85" by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin, pages 200 and 201.
Catalogue Essay
Heuer produced and sold watches to nations around the world for use by their armed forces. These included Argentina, Israel, Belgium, Jordan and Kenya. The rarest of all are a small batch of "tonneau" case Carrera watches sold to Angola. This super rare and original FAPLA (Forças Armadas Populares De Libertacao De Angola) Carrera chronograph is one of only approximately 10 known to exist in the world, bearing this special engraving. FAPLA was the armed popular forces for the liberation of Angola, who were detrimental in obtaining the independence of Angola from a Portuguese colony to an independent state in 1974. FAPLA later became Angola 's official armed forces. Resplendent with its blue Côtes de Genève dial and yellow hands, this watch has clear legibility. The brushed finish unpolished case is engraved on the back with the insignia of FAPLA. The correct fitted Heuer bracelet with locking clasp adds a robust feel to what is a rare and desirable watch for the focused collector.
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.