Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1970 Reference No: 7753SN Case No: 105'378 Model Name: Carrera Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 7730, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Gay Frères double grain bracelet with HEL endlinks, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer folding deployant clasp stamped 4.71 Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in "Heuer Carrera Chronographs 1963-85" by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin, pages 112-115.
Catalogue Essay
The present reference 7753SN (for Standard Noir) displays the so-called second execution dial and hands. These hands are fitted with a black insert to match the hour markers' design and longer luminous insert. Seldom found with two registers, the silver dial with black register is more often seen on three register watches such as reference 2447SN.
Launched in 1969, the present lot bears the serial number 105'378 which places it into the early 1970s production. It is interesting to note that reference 7753SN is the only non-military Carrera powered by a Valjoux caliber 7730 (Heuer used the Valjoux caliber 7733 in military issued reference 7753SN timepieces). The use of this caliber results in the case being thicker than its three register siblings.
With its no frills dial with almost Bauhaus zen feel, this timepiece, contrary to the majority of Heuers that bring to mind the smell of burnt rubber, gasoline and speed, has a somewhat elegant nonchalance. Fitted with a Gay Frères double grain bracelet stamped 4th quarter of 1971 this watch is in very good condition which, along with its ultimate rarity, will please the discerning 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.