Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: 2447 NST Case No: 94'213 Model Name: Carrera 'Reverse Panda' Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Mechanical, 72, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Gay Frères Heuer rice grain bracelet, 175 mm. maximum length Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Gay Frères Heuer folding deployant clasp stamped Heuer and GF 3.69 Dimensions: 35.5 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed
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. The 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, playfully dubbed 'reverse panda' due to its black dial and white registers, features the rare tachymeter ring to the dial. The reference is thus 2447 NST. The watch is furthermore accompanied with a rice grain Gay Frères Heuer bracelet, stamped for the third quarter of 1969.
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.