Heuer Chronograph 3H Dial Civilian Model Ref 1550SG, 1970s — view 1 of 6 — View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Heuer Chronograph 3H Dial Civilian Model Ref 1550SG, 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Heuer (maker)
Date: 1970s
Historical period: Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Dimensions: Case 43 mm
Dealer: Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen
Stock no.: W-2590
Credit line: Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2590)
Catalogue title (original): Heuer Chronograph 3H Dial Civilian Model Ref 1550SG (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-2590), 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 43mm steel case with rotating black bezel that is the same model as those issued to the German Bundeswher or Federal Defence Force. The black dial features the desirable red ‘3H’ making that signifies Hydrogen 3 or as we know it better tritium and this particular version is a so-called Small T, due to the marking over the six o’clock marker. The matte case is in great condition. The dial 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 hands have been stabilised at some point. The watch comes on the pictured Bulang and Sons strap and the Valjoux 230 calibre has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. We would love to talk about this cool chrono some more with you. Get in touch to arrange a visit or call! Specifications: - Heuer Chronograph Reference 1550SG - Large 43mm Case - Serial 375xxx dating to 1970s - Tritium (3H) bold arabic hour markers - Flyback chronograph Valjoux 230 movement - Rotating bezel - Includes pictured Bulang and Sons 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 timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: 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.

Mechanisms mentioned

Chronograph — Complication
Flyback chronograph — Complication

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsRecorded
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Bulang & Sons — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Heuer Chronograph 3H Dial Civilian Model Ref 1550SG, 1970s." Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen, W-2590. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/heuer-chronograph-3h-dial-civilian-model-ref-1550sg-7fc2f6.