
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Heuer Carrera Tropical dial ref 1153BN On Rare Gay Frères Bracelet, mid 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Heuer (maker)
- Date
- mid 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 39 mm
- Stock no.
- W-3236
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3236)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Heuer Carrera Tropical dial ref 1153BN On Rare Gay Frères Bracelet (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3236), this is a wristwatch by Heuer, made in Switzerland, dated mid 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 39 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
The 1153BN reference, with its striking blue dial, is one of the most cherished and iconic iterations of the legendary Heuer Carrera racing chronograph. It’s a true favorite of ours! This model features a 39mm stainless steel case, complete with the signature left-hand winding crown and chrono pushers on the right side, all in remarkable condition. Introduced in 1974, this piece is a rare find. Its blue dial, paired with black sub-dials, is the hallmark of its BN suffix (bleu, noire). However, this particular example has a fascinating twist – it has beautifully aged to a unique “sting-ray” tropical hue, which is truly eye-catching. The two sub-dials maintain their black hue, accented by subtle orange tones, while an inner tachymeter scale graces the bezel, and the date is neatly positioned at 6 o’clock. This fine chronograph is fitted with a rare 9-row Gay Frères/Heuer bracelet with end links marked "HLC." Powered by the historically significant automatic caliber 12, which has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Get in touch to make this tropical “Sting Ray“ marvel yours! Specifications: - Heuer Carrera 1153BN - Serial 392xxx - 39mm steel case with left-hand crown - Dates to the mid 1970s - “Tropical” dial with two sub-dials with stunning patina - Caliber 12 automatic movement - Comes on the pictured rare 9-row Heuer/Gay Frères signed bracelet - 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
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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