Here's a watch I spent ages searching for, then bought another one as the donor of a bracelet to fit this one, only to fall for the donor in preference... see Time4aPint podcast #25 It's a Heuer Carrera with silver dial (1153S), Cal 11 movement, reference 1153S. One of the first automatic chronograph movements, launched in mid 1969 with the Monaco and the automatic (Chrono-Matic) Autavia & Carrera. As with all the watches I've sold, I'm going to draw attention to everything I know that's wrong with it, as seasoned collectors will appreciate the virtues that are clear from the photos and provenance. As far as I know, it's original - it's in honest good-very good condition. There are lots of these around with really nasty dials, or movements with bits missing - this one is a cracker. Dial - First execution dial & bezel (TACHY at 3 o'clock, scale 50-200, subdial at 9 only calibrated 12/3/6/9 whereas 2nd & 3rd executions had 1-12). I would say the dial is the star - it's a lovely sunburst silver and there are no blemishes I can see on the main surface; a few tiny scratches to the subdial are only visible in macro photos. Compare it with the "2nd execution" pictures in the OntheDash reference, here. Hands - Second execution hands (original) - there are some flaws in the lume as you can see in the pics, but I elected to leave it as original as possible. The Chrono hand is a bright orange, as per the photos on OTD. Case - The case has some wear marks (some scuffs on the case visible under macro/loupe - the photos below highlight the scuffs as much as I could), though no damage or rust. I don't think it's been polished - there are traces of the same brushed finish that the case would have had from new, and the serial number and model reference are visible between the lugs, though only just so. Serial number is 1911xx, which some estimate from 1969-70, though this was late in the 2nd batch so I suspect early/mid 1970. Heuer's record keeping wasn't quite Omega Archives level so there's no real way of providing definitive proof. Movement / Service history - Recently serviced by the master Simon Freese (http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com/), who also rebuilt the pushers rather than replace them entirely. Obviously, it now runs well Guaranteed until January 2019. It's got a 1st gen Cal 11 movement, and the date moves smoothly, the power reserve is good, and the chrono functions well. Strap - comes on a lightly-worn replica Corfam strap with Heuer buckle (20mm lug width) I'm open to offers but am keen to sell the watch for what it's worth to me, so the first person who offers my asking price (£3,000 net to me, including delivery to the UK) gets the watch. It's in the UK, and I'm happy to do a face to face deal. Currency fees, overseas shipping etc at buyer's expense. It's been at the Time4aPint GTGs in London recently. I have some selling experience on here, eBay etc. I'm more of a buyer than a seller, but now and again need to let some birds fly, and in this case, I want to keep my lovely 1153N on Gay Freres rather than harvest its bracelet for the 1153S as originally intended. See if you agree with me... here are the brothers together... thanks, Ewan
Couple of nibbles at the time4apint GTG but the watch is still here, and I'm open to sensible offers...
Here are a few wrist shots if that helps... annoyingly, there are a few specks of dust on the crystal which look like blemishes on the subdials; the dial is in very good shape and there are no untoward marks. The subdials are good too, with a few minuscule marks only visible under magnification and with the right light angle. (the longer scratches in the pic above are shadows from fine scratches on the crystal - the kind of thing I was looking to point out is the tiny scratch to the right of the subdial hand)...
Still here - final bump before it goes in for hibernation. And final price drop to £3,250 / €3,700 / $4,350.