Always seeking to increase the readability of their chronographs, the brand created several different executions of the dial and hands for this reference. The present watch, from the mid-1960s displays the so-called 3rd execution dial, featuring stainless steel applied indexes with luminous dots on the outer end and straight hands with a luminous insert. But the most important point to note on the present watch is the transitional case. It is believed that no more than 500 watches were produced using this transitional case that features straight lugs with no bevels. The case numbers of these rare watches are within a range going from 82’8xx to 83’4xx which places the present example at the very end of the production. The present watch displays just the right amount of patina and coupled with this specific case, may well fill in the missing link in a collection devoted to Heuer’s most iconic model.
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.