Heuer “Tropical Gilt 347N” Chronograph

Description

This is a lovely and exceptionally rare 1940s Heuer chronograph, reference 347N, 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 22 movement, which was also used in the later Heuer Carrera and Autavia watches, and features an exceedingly gilt multi-scale dial, with radium arabic numerals and syringe hands.

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 gilt dial is in beautiful condition with minimal wear, and aged to a lovely tropical dial that pops under the sun. Further, the original radium lume is completely in tact in the markers as well as in the hands.

This is an incredibly rare variant for any Heuer Pre-Carrera chronograph, and the aging of the dial to a tropical brown puts it over the top – it is one not to be missed!