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Heuer Chronograph (Ref. 1614) "Ebauche Swiss" Dial, 1970s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Heuer Chronograph (Ref. 1614) "Ebauche Swiss" Dial, 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Heuer (maker)
Date
1970s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
HURC1614-2
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (HURC1614-2)
Catalogue title (original)
1970s Heuer Chronograph (Ref. 1614) "Ebauche Swiss" Dial (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number HURC1614-2), 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. 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 — Craft & Tailored

By the 1970s the Heuer brand had already amassed a rich pedigree as a watchmaker, with most of the brand's success coming from their innovations within the chronograph sector of watchmaking. During this time, Heuer also developed a very good relationship with French watch designer Gerald Monnin. This collaboration most famously resulted in Heuer's first dive watch, the ref. 844, however Monnin also designed several other watches under the Heuer name. For example, this beautiful and sporty chronograph ref. 1614 is a Monnin creation which was capitalized by the "Made in France" dial this reference is known for, however, this variation is affectionately known as the "Ebauche Swiss" notating the main or most important components of the movement are of Swiss origin. The ref. 1614 chronograph utilizes a Valjoux cal. 7765 chronograph movement and a Monnin-designed case that features a unique, yet handsome tonneau design with an array of sweeping polished surfaces and brushed sides. Stock # HURC1614-2 Brand Heuer Style Chronograph Model 1614 Serial 53XXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Silver W/ Grey/Black Sub-Dials "Ebauche Swiss" Millimeters 38 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The impressive case exhibits honest signs of use and no evidence of previous polishing, with extremely crisp brushed finishing and factory dimensions throughout. The case retains its original pump pushers and original unsigned crown. The case back retains all of its original factory markings and finishing with minimal signs of wear. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The brushed silver dial is the perfect mix of elegance and sportiness, while featuring a subtle warmth that enhances the overall vintage aesthetic of the watch. The two-tone black and grey sub-dials create a unique depth at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock where they're positioned, and the bright orange hands pop off the dial for an ultra-legible contrast. The dial itself is near-perfect vintage condition showing no notable imperfections. The original tritium hands feature a charming creamy patina with no degradation present under UV light inspection. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

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:Flyback chronographChronograph

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