Heuer Pre-Carrera Chronograph Türler

In the world of vintage chronographs, there are some watches that can be considered nothing short of legendary. Whether due to the brilliance of their design, or their association with historical events or figures, they have become classics. The history of the brands that produced them can be clearly defined as two periods — pre-legend, and post-legend.

Take for example the Heuer Carrera. It’s regarded by collectors as one of the most perfect chronograph designs of all time — if not the very best. Stemming from its creator Jack Heuer’s quest to create the most legible chronograph, the Carrera has spawned countless imitators. To collectors of vintage Heuer, it’s the be all, end all of chronographs, an absolute must-have for any collection.

It’s so iconic that any chronograph they produced before the release of the Carrera in the 1960s is automatically referred to as “pre-Carreras.” 

However, Heuer first created its first chronograph in the 1890s — a long period rich with beautiful chronograph designs that, though they may not have “Carrera” on the dial, are no less worthy of consideration. In fact, the roots of what would become the Carrera would be planted much earlier than the 1960s — twenty years earlier.

The years following the Second World War were a pivotal period in chronograph design for Heuer. Many chronographs produced during this time retained the clean lines of the watches worn by military personnel during the war. Though their cases were notably smaller than their 1960s successors, such as the Carrera, they were also steel and waterproof.

This beautiful steel chronograph epitomizes Heuer’s mid-century design prowess. Featuring a 37mm stainless steel case with 'holey' lugs this piece features barrel chronograph pushers, a domed acrylic crystal, a correct unsigned crown, and a manually-wound Valjoux 22 movement within. 

The silver dial features a set of printed indices and a matching blued-steel 'syringe' handset that have patinated to a beautiful caramel tone. Accompanied by a pair of subsidiary registers and a Türler signature, this dial has all the makings of a fantastic vintage dial.

Want a vintage chronograph without the added baggage that comes with the Crown?

Add this Heuer to your collection and stand out in a room full of Daytonas and Speedies! 

In 1962, Jack Heuer inherited the company that his great-grandfather had founded in Saint-Imier nearly a century before.
He had already played a role in the design of some timepieces, starting with the Solunar in the late 1940s. But in 1962, the responsibility of running the company fell on his shoulders, and he found himself faced with the daunting task of safeguarding his ancestor’s legacy while at the same time forging his own. His chosen path? Moving into a line of technical instruments for use in sporting and transportation applications.
The Heuer name was not unknown in motor racing and aviation circles. Starting in 1911, when the sport of automobile racing was still in its infancy, the company produced dashboard clocks for cars, boats, and even airplanes. Jack Heuer, a longtime racing aficionado, saw an opportunity to revitalize — or at the very least, to reexamine — the company’s already-successful line of chronographs.

He had first tried his hand with the Autavia, which at the time of his succession was a stopwatch with a virtually illegible dial. In its place he launched the line of Autavia wrist chronographs, the first line of chronographs produced by Heuer to be named, rather than simply numbered. The Autavia was purpose-built for racers and pilots, and attracted the attention of Formula 1 racers and devotees such as Jochen Rindt and Steve McQueen.

In designing the Carrera in 1963, Jack Heuer created something that was entirely his, and is without question the chronograph that is most associated with the brand today. Heuer's obsession with legibility led to a dial design that was simpler to read than the Omega Speedmaster or the Rolex Daytona (released the same year as the Carrera). What resulted was a chronograph with plain baton markers that gave only the most necessary bits of information — clean, uncluttered, undeniably attractive.

The brand grew to become a powerhouse in chronographs in particular, and the list of famous designs from the 1960s and 1970s can’t be counted on two hands. However, one innovation from 1969 deserves particular mention: the famed Caliber 11. This caliber (and its successors) was the result of a multinational race to build the world’s first automatic chronograph movement. It would go on to power the famed Monaco — made famous by actor Steve McQueen — as well as automatic versions of the Autavia, Carrera and more.

Falling on hard times in the wake of the Quartz Crisis, Heuer was ultimately purchased by Technique Avant Garde (TAG), and subsequently by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey, who brought the brand into the modern age. Early TAG Heuer quartz divers from the 1980s have found newfound appreciation in collector’s circles, while the brand’s modern catalog is a mix of vintage-inspired reissues and unique collections, such as the Connected smartwatch line.

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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.

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.