Heuer Automatic Chronograph (Ref. 510.500) 'Lemania Cal. 5100', 1980s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Founded in 1860 in St-Imier, Switzerland, Heuer remains one of the most respected and beloved names in vintage watchmaking. From the Carrera and Autavia to the Monaco and Camaro, the brand’s unmistakable shield logo became synonymous with purpose-built chronographs and motorsport-inspired design. Beyond these celebrated icons, however, Heuer produced several equally compelling references that remain comparatively underappreciated today. The ref. 510.500 is a perfect example of this. Produced for only a short period during the 1980s, shortly before Heuer’s acquisition by Techniques d’Avant Garde and transition into TAG Heuer, it shares its distinctive tonneau-shaped case and flat-link bracelet with the black PVD-coated Pasadena. The stainless-steel construction gives the ref. 510.500 is a character all its own, highlighting the case’s bold, utilitarian architecture. At its heart is the highly regarded Lemania cal. 5100, an automatic chronograph movement celebrated for its durability, legibility, and unconventional central chronograph-minute display. Its technical dial is brought to life by vivid orange chronograph hands, oversized luminous markers, a 24-hour register, and an outer tachymeter scale, delivering the unmistakably functional aesthetic of a great 1980s tool watch. Complete with its original box, this seldom-seen Heuer offers a compelling combination of robust engineering, period design, and important pre-TAG history. SPECS Stock # HUR510500 Brand Heuer Style Automatic Chronograph Model 510.500 Serial N/A Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 40 Bracelet Heuer Flat-Link Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The excellent case retains strong factory dimensions with honest signs of light use present and minimal evidence of previous polishing. The case retains its original pump pushers and Heuer crown. The case back retains all of the factory finishing and engravings in crisp condition with minimal wear present. The original flat-link-style bracelet with flip lock clasp retains 20 links that show no stretch and will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The matte black dial remains in exceptional vintage condition, exhibiting no damage or notable signs of age. The original tritium lume plots have developed a vivid teal-green coloration and show no degradation under UV light inspection. All hands remain original and are exceptionally well preserved. The high-visibility orange accent hands retain their vibrant color, with only light, even fading. The tritium within the hands has aged to a light grey tone, characteristic of the era and reference, and likewise exhibits no degradation under UV light. ACCESSORIES The watch comes with its original box. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.