
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Heuer Bundeswehr Issued Chrono Small T Dial Ref 1550SG, 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Heuer (maker)
- Date
- 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 43 mm
- Stock no.
- W-2612
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2612)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Heuer Bundeswehr Issued Chrono Small T Dial Ref 1550SG (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2612), this is a wristwatch by Heuer, made in Switzerland, dated 1970s. 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
This is a very cool, issued military watch in a 43mm steel case with rotating black bezel that was issued to the German Bundeswher or Federal Defence Force. These watches are very sought after by military watch collectors and this example is a very desirable flyback chronograph. This is a so-called Small T, due to the marking over the six o’clock marker. The matte case is in great condition and the back features the original German military markings – BW 6645-12-146-xxxx. The black dial is in lovely mint condition and features bold Arabic painted numerals in zinc-sulphide tritium that have a lovely yellow patina this is a good match with the lume in the hands. The watch comes on the original Bund strap, with stock numbers on the back. The Valjoux 230 calibre has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. We would love to talk about this cool military chrono some more with you. Get in touch to arrange a visit or call! Specifications: - Heuer Chronograph Reference 1550SG - Large 43mm Case - Serial 75xx dating to the 1970s - Tritium ‘Small T’ dial - Rotating bezel - Flyback chronograph Valjoux 230 movement - Original issued Bund strap - Fully serviced by our watchmaker - Includes a handmade leather watch pouch
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
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
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.
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