We have always admired this Heuer Chronograph, which is in pristine condition. The movement is none other than the manually wound Valjoux 7765, Ref. 1589B. A French made watch from the late 1970’s with a stainless steel case that has a combination of polished and brushed finish. It showcases what would appear to be a three-register chronograph dial, but the register at three o’clock is actually a date register. This is a fantastic example of this sports watch.   

This Heuer Chronograph is a beautiful object, with all the racing spirit and colours to match. When you know the same company produced the Monaco, Autavia, and famous Carrera, a relative spirit of confidence is established.   

A stainless steel chronograph dial, with applied polished steel hour indices and two sub-counters. With 30 minutes totalizer at noon, an orange central chronograph seconds and a tachymeter scale. The small seconds is at nine o'clock and the sub dial at 3 o’clock is actually the date aperture as previously mentioned, so it balances nicely. The case back has clear markings with a reference number and waterproof status also.  

The dial itself is beige in colour with a white outer tachymeter; the 3 inner sub dials are outlined in a dark blue with light blue central sub dials. The hands are a pencil style, with in filled lume on the outer halves, glowing a sapphire blue under UV light alongside the orange Chronograph register hands, which actually glow a wonderful vivid yellow under light! Towards the bottom of the dial it is signed “Ebauche Suisse”. This denotes that the movement and case in this instance were manufactured and supplied by a company outsourced by Heuer.  

Although times were tough for watchmakers in the 1970’s, Heuer have excelled with this Chronograph. It is a mesmerising piece and in excellent working condition. 

Take yourself back to the 1970’s, which some will remember, was not such a straight forward period for the mechanical watch making industry, the quartz crisis is proof of that! Many of the Swiss companies are in trouble; a majority will not sadly see the light of day. Luckily Heuer was large enough to be able to adapt, switching some of the productions to France as with this particular watch. This outsourcing combined with use of third-party “Ebauche” movements was a unique and fundamental part of the Swiss tradition of watchmaking and assisted survival through what was otherwise a very tough time.   

Combining all these features together, I’m sure you will agree this is a marvellous and handsome looking watch!

• Model ref: 1589B
• Year: 1976
• Warranty length: 12 months
• Box and papers: No
• Movement type, calibre and jewels: Calibre 7765, manually wound
• Case: Stainless steel, push-on back
• Dial: Beige
• Crystal: Plexiglas
• Bracelet: Textile
• Width (w/o crown): 37mm
• Height, lug to lug: 43mm
• Lug width: 18mm
• Wrist size: Adjustable