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Heuer 2000 Automatic Chronograph PVD (Ref. 183.306), 1980s — view 1 of 6
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Heuer 2000 Automatic Chronograph PVD (Ref. 183.306), 1980s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Heuer (maker)
Date
1980s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
HUR183306
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (HUR183306)
Catalogue title (original)
1980s Heuer 2000 Automatic Chronograph PVD (Ref. 183.306) (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number HUR183306), this is a wristwatch by Heuer, made in Switzerland, dated 1980s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Founded in 1860 in St-Imier, Switzerland, Heuer remains one of the most respected and beloved vintage brands in the watch world. Having put out iconic models like the Carrera, Autavia, Monaco, and Camaro, the brand's pentagonal logo became a calling card. But they put out a lot of other, equally cool pieces that never got quite the notoriety of their bigger siblings. This Heuer 2000 Chronograph ref. 183.306 being a perfect example of this. This one practically screams "auto racing", featuring a uniquely shaped matte black PVD case, a fixed tachymeter bezel, and bright orange accents. We also love the date cyclops integrated into the dial, providing the necessary magnification without altering the exterior symmetry of the case. SPECS Stock # HUR183306 Brand Heuer Style 2000 Automatic Chronograph Model 183.306 Serial N/A Size Men's Material Factory PVD Dial Matte Black Millimeters 39 Strap TAG Heuer PVD Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The matte black PVD case exhibits no evidence of previous polishing and features crisp finishing and dimensions throughout, though there is some wear on high contact edges which is expected. The case retains its original pump pushers and unsigned crown. The case back retains all of its original factory markings and finishing with some minor tool marks present. The original and transitional TAG Heuer PVD bracelet shows some rubbing wear to the PVD finish on the edges of the links and clasp, but is in otherwise great condition, showing minimal stretch in the 23 links. The bracelet will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist and features a diver's extension in the clasp. DIAL & HANDS The matte black dial is flawless, showing no damage or age. The tritium hour markers have taken on a vibrant yellow patina, with the sword-style handset matching them almost perfectly, though the minute hand shows a little darkening towards the center post. The red-tipped secondary hands add a fantastic pop of color to the otherwise monochromatic package, and are in excellent condition. Under UV light inspection, there is no degradation present in the dial or hands. ACCESSORIES None. The service history is unknown. The watch is running and keeping time, but a movement service is recommended for optimal results and can be purchased upon request.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Chronographs and split-seconds watches

A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.

Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.

What to look for

  • Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
  • Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
  • Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
  • Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).

Dating clues

  • Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
  • Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
  • Automatic chronographs: from 1969.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph

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