Baylor Chronograph Poor Man's Camaro

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SKU AS01900
SKU AS01900

Why We Love it

Being a vintage watch collector is somewhat like being an archaeologist searching for buried treasure. The real task is wading through the maze of sometimes unfamiliar names and finding watches with real value and quality construction. Oftentimes the hunt is more fulfilling than the acquisition, because the real joy is in unearthing watches by brands that have been all but forgotten and giving them a new life on your wrist.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the fashion was for sporty chronographs in sturdy cases. Some of the most renowned racers and teams of the day regularly seen sporting Heuer’s Carrera, Monza and Autavia models. However, then, as now, their price points were out of reach of many average enthusiasts, giving rise to what we now refer to as “Poor Man’s Heuers.”

These watches have picked up quite a bit of traction in recent years, as collectors realize the value of these stunning and sporty watches. However, they’re perhaps undeserving of the moniker, because their solid cases and dependable movements are the same as those used by Heuer. In fact, Heuer manufactured pieces to be sold at a more affordable price through large retailers like Sears & Roebuck and Zales, under names like Tradition or Baylor.

Produced for the jeweler Zales, Baylor-branded watches used many of the same parts as the Heuer Autavias and Carreras of the late 1960s. It’s even rumored that as Heuer began to shift its focus toward automatic chronographs with new cases and dials, Zales was able to snatch up parts for pennies on the dollar. The result was a small array of watches that looked and felt just like Heuers.

While many of these Baylor-branded Heuers were based on more popular models like the Autavia Reference 2446C, the one that we've found takes for its inspiration the humble Heuer Camaro. With a funky, retro vibe, the Heuer Camaro with its dependable manual-wind Valjoux movements exudes '70s style. But the timing of its release—in 1968, just one year before the introduction of the game-changing Caliber 11 Chronomatic movement—saw it overshadowed by the Autavias and Carreras with automatic movements.   

This makes it an odd choice for Zales to import it into the U.S. and distribute it under the Baylor brand. And yet, we think its unusual circle-in-the-square case with the trademark sunburst finishing on the top case and sharp bevels is an attractive (and infinitely wearable) design. When you add a reverse panda color way that’s all the rage these days, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t want to strap this Baylor on your wrist.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Baylor Chronograph Poor Man's Camaro

Baylor Chronograph Poor Man's Camaro

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Baylor Chronograph Poor Man's Camaro