Wristwatch by Heuer, 1977

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

For such a traditional art as watchmaking, the watch market is a fast-paced and ever-changing one. The 1960s in particular were a period of rapid growth, with Heuer leading the way in the category of sporting chronographs. In just five short decades, from the time the first wristwatch was invented to the time the Autavia debuted, wrist chronographs went from primitive mono pushers to the lean, mean timekeeping machine seen here. Freed from the economic constraints and austerity following World War II, the world roared into a future filled with promise. People turned from warlike pursuits to more sportsmanlike ones: flying, sailing, and, of course, driving. And it was in that last arena that Heuer led the pack. Heuer and racing have been intricately linked, ever since the earliest days of motorsports. Watches made by Heuer could be found mounted on the dashboards of race cars, or clutched in the hands of the officials who timed the laps. Many of these watches bore the name Autavia—a clever combination of AUTomotive and AVIAtion, the two arenas in which Heuer envisioned the watch would be used. But the Autavia was far from the only significant chronograph that Heuer made. Take this EXCEPTIONAL model that is seldom seen even in Heuer collecting circles -- a Jarama! Dating to 1977, this piece pays tribute to Circuit Del Jarama which hosted the Spanish Grand Prix from 1968 to 1981. Housed in a stainless steel cushion case, this piece features a blacked out bezel, charcoal black dial, and a date at 6 o'clock. Plus, it features a lovely very 70s cushion case with a signed, stainless steel bracelet with matching black coating, as well as its period-correct box! Lovely. If you love Heuer and want something different, and unique, the Heuer Jarama is undoubtedly one of the most compelling options we've ever seen!