Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1967 Reference No: 2447 NST Case No: 78'498 Model Name: Carrera 'Reverse Panda' Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Mechanical, 72, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Brown calf strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 35.5 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed for Volvo
Catalogue Essay
While some may discuss the Heuer Carrera in conversation with the Rolex Daytona (the Singer dial and Valjoux movement usually being the topic of choice), the Heuer Carrera is an incredible watch in its own right. Its name originates from the "Carrera Panamericana", a highly dangerous and thrilling car race which takes place in Mexico. At the time of inception, Jack Heuer's main goal was to create absolute legibility when timing car races.
The present watch is playfully dubbed "reverse panda" due to its black dial and white registers. It features the rare tachymeter ring to the dial. Thus, the reference is called 2447 NST.
Jack Heuer's support for the automobile industry is unrivaled. As such, it comes as no surprise that Heuer created custom pieces for Volvo. The present watch displays all the details of a well preserved 2447 NST. Yet, what truly sets it apart is the "Volvo" logo above 12 o'clock, where the Heuer shield should be. The Heuer logo has thus been moved to the subsidiary register at 6 o'clock, displaying Heuer's modesty. Research shows that Volvo had presented these watches one year for their Board of Directors.
Its rarity, coupled with aesthetic beauty, renders the present example and extremely historically interesting and attractive wristwatch.
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.