Manufacturer: Heuer Year: circa 1970 Reference No: 7843SN Case No: 140'513 Model Name: Camaro Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 7732, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet signed Heuer, end links stamped HLA, max length 205mm. Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp, stamped 1.71 Dimensions: 37mm x 37mm Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
In the late 60s, Jack Heuer launched a new model to strengthen the brand’s position in the U.S. Called the Camaro, it was larger than the Carrera and fitted in a cushion-shaped case, offering a more robust style than its predecessor to fit the US market requirements. To further appeal to the targeted market, the watch was named after the famous pace car used in the Indianapolis 500 race during the years 1967 and 1969: the Chevrolet Camaro. Over the course of its short four-year production, the Camaro was powered by different calibre variations depending on the dial configuration. The present watch displays the rarer dial configuration with two registers and the date. It is powered by an upgraded Valjoux calibre 7732. The rarity of its dial configuration, associated with the overall appealing condition of the watch, its Gay Frères bracelet and its stylish design fully enhance the attractiveness of this watch that is currently considered to be somewhat “flying under the radar”.
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.