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Heuer Bund Chronograph 3H dial ref 1550 SG, 1970 — view 1 of 6
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Heuer Bund Chronograph 3H dial ref 1550 SG, 1970

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Heuer (maker)
Date
1970
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 43 mm
Stock no.
W-3713
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3713)
Catalogue title (original)
Heuer Bund Chronograph 3H dial ref 1550 SG (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3713), this is a wristwatch by Heuer, made in Switzerland, dated 1970. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 43 mm. 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 — Bulang & Sons

Founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in St-Imier, Switzerland, Heuer revolutionized horology through precision timing and motorsports. The brand patented the iconic oscillating pinion in 1887 and introduced one of the first automatic chronograph movements in 1969. Under the leadership of Jack Heuer, the brand solidified its legendary connection to auto racing. It introduced iconic models such as the Carrera (1963) and the Monaco (1969), the latter becoming famous after being worn by Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans. This is a cool issued military chronograph we have at offer , houses in a 43mm steel case with a rotating black bezel. It was issued to the German Bundes wehr (Federal Defence Force), commonly referred to as the "BUND." These watches are highly sought after by military watch collectors, and this particular example is an especially desirable chronograph. The matte case is in excellent condition, and the case back features the original German military markings: 6645-12-146-37xx. It is complemented by a smoothly functioning rotating bezel. The black dial includes the highly coveted red "3H" marking, signifying Hydrogen-3, more commonly known as tritium. This encircled "3H" was a military requirement indicating the use of tritium lume. The dial also features the typical lumed Arabic numerals, two sub-dials for the flyback chronograph functions, and distinctive sword-shaped hour and minute hands, along with an arrow-shaped central chronograph seconds hand. We've paired this cool military chronograph with our Falco Bund Strap, inspired by the original straps these watches were issued with—commonly known among collectors as "Bund straps." This unique strap is the first creation from our 10 Year Strap Contest , co-designed and named after Falco Kober. Together, we brought history and passion to life. We’re proud to share this strap with you - the ultimate companion for your chronograph. > READ ALL ABOUT HERE... The Thin FALCO BUND Strap - just 2 mm of soft goatskin comfort. Tone-on-tone, subtle stitching, with a twist of olive-grey and orange. Heritage in every detail. Minimal. Timeless. Perfect for daily wear. This Heuer and its flyback movement have been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is ready for action. Military proof build, wanted by collectors lets get a deal! Specifications: Heuer Chronograph Reference 1550SG 3h dial ”Bund” Issued to the German defence forces 43mm matted steel Case Original “Bund “ case back engraving :6645-12-146-37XX Serial 84xx dating to the 1970’s Tritium bold Arabic hour markers ,circle 3H logo in red Flyback chronograph Valjoux 230 movement Rotating bezel Coming on the shown Bulang and sons “Falco Bund“ strap , inspired by the original Bundes wehr or “BUND” leather straps Fully serviced by our watchmaker

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:Chronograph

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