Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1968 Reference No: 3147N Case No: 94'830 Model Name: Carrera "Dato 45" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. Landeron 189, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Heuer Corfam strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer 'sun' buckle Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Literature: The present watch is illustrated in "Heuer Carrera Chronographs 1963-85" by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin, pages 130,132,133
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1966, the Carrera Dato 45, named after its 45 minutes register, was powered by a Landeron caliber 189. The Swiss movement manufacture, based in Le Landeron, was famous for the quality of its chronograph movements and it was therefore a very logical choice for Heuer to have them supply the heart of their new reference.
The present 1st execution dial features a totally original and unusual positioning of the date at 12 o'clock and two registers, whilst the second execution would see the date moved to the 9 o'clock position where it would not be hidden by the chronograph hand. Consequently the running seconds register disappeared from this later execution, allowing a better reading of both the date and the chronograph.
This example features another subtle specification. While most of the dial inscriptions were printed in white this one features silver script, perfectly matching the stainless steel case. Produced for only a short period of time, the present lot will appeal to the chronograph enthusiast in general and the Heuer aficionado in particular due to its particularly fierce look with bold bevelled lugs, its stealthy, all black dial highlighted by the white chapter ring and the striking contrast of the red date disc.
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.