{"product_id":"baylor-poor-mans-camaro-dato-chonograph-as13015","title":"Baylor 'Poor Man's Camaro Dato' Chonograph","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis piece is part of our First Look collection—your early access window into upcoming arrivals before they officially launch on the site. If you’d like more details or wish to reserve this watch ahead of the public release, simply click the \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"mailto:firstlook@analogshift.com\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInquire for Priority Access\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e button at the top of the page, complete the short form, and a member of our team will reach out shortly.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen is a Heuer Camaro not a Heuer Camaro? When it’s a Baylor, of course.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmong the more interesting chapters in vintage chronograph history is the story of the so-called “Poor Man’s Heuers,” an eclectic assortment of watches produced for American retailers during the 1960s and 1970s. Sharing much of the design language, components, and mechanical architecture of their more celebrated Heuer counterparts, these watches offered enthusiasts an opportunity to experience Swiss chronograph watchmaking at a more accessible price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBaylor was the house watch brand of Zales, the American jewelry retailer better known for diamond engagement rings than racing chronographs. During the golden age of mechanical chronographs, the company offered a selection of Swiss-made watches closely related to Heuer’s celebrated Carrera, Autavia, and Camaro models. Far from being inexpensive imitations, many shared cases, movements, and other components with their Heuer-branded relatives, making them particularly appealing to collectors today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis handsome Baylor Dato Chronograph takes its cues from the Heuer Camaro, introduced in 1968 and named for Chevrolet’s popular muscle car. Its distinctive stainless-steel cushion case captures the adventurous spirit of late-1960s sports watch design, with angular surfaces, short lugs, and a broad bezel that surrounds a wonderfully graphic dial. Finished in deep black with contrasting silver-white subsidiary registers, the reverse-panda dial features running seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, and a date aperture at 12. A vivid orange central chronograph hand, matching accents, and an outer tachymeter scale reinforce the watch’s motorsport personality, while applied baton markers and slender hands add a touch of refinement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaired with a multi-link stainless steel bracelet, the watch has a distinctly period-correct appearance, combining bold geometry with the mechanical appeal of a classic Swiss chronograph. This example is made even more desirable by the inclusion of its box and accompanying papers, a welcome addition for collectors of these increasingly appreciated vintage timepieces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor anyone fascinated by the golden age of Heuer, the Baylor offers a particularly entertaining alternative. It has the looks, the racing inspiration, and much of the charm of its more famous relatives, along with a wonderfully unexpected name on the dial. And there’s something irresistible about a watch that looks ready for the racetrack but was sold alongside diamond engagement rings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA little bit Heuer, a little bit Americana, and a whole lot of 1970s attitude. Who says the “Poor Man’s” version can’t be just as much fun?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baylor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44617332162647,"sku":"40993644","price":2250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/files\/AS13015_40993644_BAYLOR_DATO_CAMARO_CHRONOGRAPH_CAL_187-1.jpg?v=1794499452","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/baylor-poor-mans-camaro-dato-chonograph-as13015","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}