It was in 1860, when Edouard Heuer established his first workshop in St. Imier, Switzerland. It gave birth to the world's reference of the most reliable and prestigious sports watches. In 1869, Heuer invented and patented the first stem-winding system. In 1911, Heuer launched his first dashboard chronograph developed for automobiles called "Time of Trip". Five years later, Heuer patented Micrograph, the world's first wristwatch with chronometer function, capable of measuring 1/100th of a second. In 1920, for the first time, the company officially time-kept the Olympic Games competitions.
In 1933, Heuer introduced the Autavia, the dashboard timer used for automobiles and airplanes. Afterwards, the Monte Carlo and the Master-Time were launched. In the 1950-70s, Heuer timepieces were utterly popular in auto sport. They are one of the inventors of chronograph and racing watch.
The Autavia chronograph was launched in 1962. Two years later, after Juan Manuel Fangio's triumph during the "Carrera Panamericana Mexico" races, Jack Heuer launched Carrera chronograph watch paying tribute to this excellent race car driver from Argentina. Due to its exceptional success, the Carrera chrono converted into the company's icon.
Again, in 1966, the Heuer company confirmed its status of pioneer in time measuring by manufacturing the world's first chronograph, capable to measure the 1/1000th of a second.
In 1971, the Heuer Monaco watch became highly famous after Steve McQueen wore it in a movie "Le Mans". That line was called "Steve McQueen Monaco Edition".
The TAG Group Holdings SA bought the Heuer company and became TAG Heuer in 1985.
This the Very Rare Gold Plated Version of 1614, This watch was also sold under Ref: 1611, 13-1, 1589 B looks like a 3-register chronograph, but the 3 o'clock register is actually only a date register.
The movement is the manual-wind Valjoux 7765, a variant of the 7750. Note that the dial only says "Ebauche Swiss", which means that the basic part of the movement is made in Switzerland, with the remainder likely finished with the watch in France.
This retro looking chrono was available in the 70s alongside a few other French made models. I’m not entirely sure why they were made in France. The first 844 divers were made in France by Monnin at around the same time, so it could be presumed they made these too, but there is no Monnin markings anywhere on this model.
There appears to be several variations of the 1614, among the differences are: ‘Incabloc’ written under the Heuer shield which is one of the rare model, The Gold Plated version is the very rare and looks to be only few left. I am not sure if they are part of prototype or some where distorted if they were not sold.
An unusual chapter in Heuer's history for sure
This is a beauty. This is one of the rarest version of this watch ever made not sure how many for sure, but you are buying a very rare part of history. Coming with Heuer Service Box. Defiantly a collector watch. Please look at all the pictures, as they are part of the description. The watch is working and keeping great time. This is a highly collectible watch. Sure, to increase in value overtime, and a great addition to your collection. The condition of the watch is the same as it appears in the photos. The watch is working and is part of our new Certified Pre-Owned CPO Program. Contact me if you have any questions first.
SPECIFICATION | |
Case | Gold-Plated with Stainless Steel Case Back. Some plating and dings, Plating on chronograph pushers. |
Case Size | 40,00 mm without the crown and 41,00 mm Lug to Lug |
Case Back | Stainless steel cover signed, with Screw Back. Please note case back in most cases is not fully tighten. |
Crown | GP Signed with Heuer Logo |
Crystal | Acrylic Some Scratches, I know most version came with Mineral, this could have been changed but given its rarity it is hard to assess. |
Bezel: | None. Inner, Tachymeter, might be a bit less than 1/2 sec off. |
Dial: | Beautiful Sun Burst Dial, Luminous hands & beautiful orange chronograph second hand, with indices (no Lum) dial, Ebauche Suisse , two register chronograph with date at 3 O'clock. Shows lots of patina, and marking. Please see picture for more detail. |
Complication | Seconds, Date, Chronograph, Tachymeter. |
Movement | Manual-winding Valjoux 7765, a variant of the 7750 |
Movement Notes | Just inspected and in great shape. Please see pictures and as some old movements don't have a very clear marking. Movement is running. Keeps great time see below time testing. |
Strap | Genuine Leather , Lug Size: 20mm Please see picture. |
Box | Come with Beautiful Black Heuer Service Box a $50 Value (not the one in the pictures) |
Reference # | This the Very Rare Gold Plated Version of 1614, This watch was also sold under Ref: 1611, 13-1, 1589 B |
Made in | Switzerland |
Water Resistance | No. Please pressure test before water use. |
Service Level | 3 (Please see Tab below for details) Please keep in mind when comparing serviced watches with none serviced watch. Price is at least $300-$500 more based on complications. Since old watch are like old cars you never know what you gone get. |
Timing Test ** | -1s/day In-House Time Test Results (See Service Level Tab)** |
Certified Pre-Owned | Passed 25-point inspection. Please see tab below for details. |
Warranty | 3-Month Service Warranty (Please see Tab below for details) |
Notes: | All watch functions tested and operable. Circa 1979 |