1960s Heuer Carrera 45 1st Series "Gubelin" 3647
Ref: 3647
Specification
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with an 18mm tan leather strap that suits the watch nicely. The watch is from Circa. 1960s and is in worn, vintage condition, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
The Watch
Here we have a 1960s Heuer Carrera 45 1st Series "Gubelin" 3647 which has the House of Gubelin branding on the dial, they are a Swiss family-owned business selling incredible jewellery and luxury branded goods since 1854, based in Lucerne, Switzerland. The 35.5mm stainless steel case gently curves over your wrist with acute angled twisted lugs, a lug-to-lug length of 45mm and a case thickness of 11mm ensuring a comfortable fit. Between the lugs, we have the serial number engraved. Down the right side, we have piston chronograph pushers and a large crown in the centre. A slim bezel holds a domed crystal above a white bicompax dial, an outer minute chapter ring is precisely executed with applied steel batons bevelled top and bottom that play with the light as you rotate your wrist marking the hours. At 3 o’clock a 45-minute register and at 9 o’clock a continuous seconds register each slightly recessed with a concentric circular pattern, slender sword hands infilled with luminance complemented by a tapered chronograph hand. At 12 o’clock we have the Carrera HEUER motif and at 6 o’clock “Gubelin” completes this dynamic vintage bicompax chronograph. On the reverse, a screw-down case back, inside a quality manually wound Heuer-Leonidas 92, 17 jewel column-wheel chronograph movement, in 1964 Jack Heuer acquired Leonidas just a year after he took over Heuer renaming the brand Heuer-Leonidas. The watch comes fitted on an 18mm tan leather strap.
Personal Note
We have been fortunate to have handled and sold multiple vintage Heuer Carrera's over the years, but this is by far the best example we have had and it has the added bonus of a "Gubelin" signature! The dial is flawless, and the lume is beautifully and evenly aged. Just like so many great vintage watches of this era, they are getting harder and harder to find in condition like this, so I wouldn't hesitate if you are in the market for this, book an appointment and loupe this dial for yourself!
The Brand
Edouard Heuer founded The Heuer Watch Company in 1860 in St. Imier, Switzerland. Chronographs have been the mainstay for Heuer and later TAG Heuer. They were featuring many models and configurations, expanding the possibilities to the full. In 1958 Jack Heuer, Edouard’s son, joined the company. In 1962 the first generation of Autavia was launched. Famously worn in the 1970s by Formula One drivers such as Derek Bell, Jacky Ickx, Emerson Fittipaldi, Clay Regazzoni and Mario Andretti, and many more. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. offered a bid in 1999 that was accepted by TAG Heuer.