Heuer “Salmon Pre-Carrera” Chronograph

Description

This is a lovely and clean example of a circa 1940-1950s Heuer Reference 2443 chronograph, often referred to as a “Pre-Carrera”. They were made in a variety of sizes and came in 2 or 3 register set-ups, and formed the basis for the iconic Carrera line.  This particular example is powered by the legendary Valjoux 72 movement, which was also used in the later Heuer Carrera and Autavia watches, and features an exceedingly rare salmon-sector dial, with roman numerals.

For more reading on the history of these watches, head on over to On The Dash by clicking here.

The watch is in excellent condition. The case has never been polished, with sharp edges and defined beveled lugs.  The salmon dial is in beautiful condition, with a lovely reflective chapter ring that contrasts against the dial well. Further, the original radium lume is in amazing condition, and completely in tact in all of the lume plots as well as in the hands, aged to a light yellow color.