One could easily lose themselves in the pursuit of early, hand-wound Heuer Carreras from the 1960s—there are so many references and variants that it might take a lifetime to collect them all! However, the piece at hand is a slightly different breed, as it represents one of the first automatic chronographs: the Carrera 1153. This model was part of the trio of designs Heuer used to launch the Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement in 1969.
The earliest examples featured the model name positioned above the date and the word "Chronomatic" above the Heuer badge. Only a limited number of these were produced, as Heuer sold the Chronomatic name to Breitling. The 1153 was manufactured from 1969 to 1974, with various dial and hand combinations, as well as movements that included the Cal. 11, the modified 11-i, and the Cal. 12. Its distinctive case, featuring two pushers on the right and a crown on the left, showcases a brushed “soleil” finish. This reference (or at least a similar-looking Heuer Carrera) was famously worn by Mick Jagger, hence its nickname!
The case remains in remarkably strong condition (can we say unpolished? Make up your own mind by looking at the pictures...) and features a lovely, rare Gay Frères 9-row link bracelet attached with end links marked ‘hlc.’
The blue soleil-finished dial is in top condition, with a date window at 6 o’clock, two sub-registers, and a bright orange chronograph seconds hand, topped off with an inner bezel in white featuring a tachymeter scale.
The watch comes with its original guarantee booklet, stating a sale in 1974. The automatic Cal. 12 movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.
Let us bring this stunning 50-year-old beauty to you—contact us today and make this iconic timepiece yours!
Specifications:
- Heuer Carrera 1153N
- Serial no. 287xxx, dates to the 1970s
- 38mm steel case
- Blue dial with two sub-dials
- Caliber 12 automatic movement
- Heuer/Gay Frères steel 9-row bracelet with ‘hlc’-marked end links
- Original guarantee booklet stating sale in 1974
- Fully serviced by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping