Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1963 Reference No: 2447S Case No: 54'043 Model Name: Carrera "Eggshell White" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 72, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Heuer Corfam strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer "sun" buckle Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Heuer cardboard box
Catalogue Essay
It is not immediately obvious what sets this early execution chronograph wristwatch apart from its later peers; the reader could be forgiven for thinking at first glance that this is a timepiece with all the standard components that a Valjoux 72 Carrera reference 2447S might have. Namely, the elegant 36mm diameter case, elegant faceted lugs and a one step case back. However, the dial is a delicate matt eggshell white and not like in the later models with a starburst silver finish, which was more common and ran for a longer timeframe. Jack Heuer set out to create the most unfussy tool watches he could but without compromising on design. Heuer and Singer the dial maker tested a variety of finishes and it may be that the "eggshell" white finish was simply too delicate for heavy use. The very first models with these dials fell within the 537xx- 542xx serial range. Most importantly these early survivors are printed simply with "Swiss" (with no T) and house a Valjoux 72 movement, the inner casebacks are signed Ed. Heuer. The matt eggshell white dial is extremely rare and to find one in this configuration and in such immaculate condition is not dissimilar to spotting a unicorn!
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.