Latest Vintage Piece

1970s Heuer Daytona 110.203B calibre 12 automatic 39.5mm. $5,500.00 CAD. 520-00166

Vintage chronographs have always had a market, the nostalgic look, feel, and sound of a mechanical stopwatch can’t be duplicated. The 1970s were the heyday for mechanical watches. The 1980s ushered in a flood of inexpensive electronic battery powered that almost put the Swiss watchmaking industry out of business. Heuer were at the top of their creative game in the 60s and 70s with the iconic Carrera, Autavia, and Monaco watches. Heuer kept the funky shaped case theme going with the introduction of the Daytona around 1976. This rare model was only made for around 5 years. This is the first one to ever show up in our estate collection. The blue vignette dial on our example is perfect. There isn’t a stain or scuff anywhere to be seen (even under magnification). The lighter blue centre section grows gradually darker toward the edges, culminating in a navy blue tachymeter scale on the sloped chapter ring. Powering the Daytona is the Heuer left hand crown, 17 jewel calibre 12. This is a significant mechanism in the world of horology and was an updated version of the famous calibre 11. The calibre 11 debuted in early 1969 with the goal of being the world’s first automatic winding watch with a chronograph. The calibre 12 addressed a few of the shortcomings points of the 11. Some parts were strengthened while a few others were made a little more compliant, resulting in added durability and reliability. The frequency of the improved calibre 12 was increased to 21,600 for better accuracy. The Daytona was one of the last models to use the calibre 12, it was retired in 1980 along with the Daytona. The name is a tribute the to famous Florida racetrack and specifically the 24-hour endurance race that is still happens every year at the end of January. A relatively common, nice quality Rolex Daytona from the mid to late 1970s is going run you close to $100,000 these days. This much rarer Heuer Daytona is only around 1/20th of the Rolex cost. A Heuer Daytona also has the extra convenience of automatic winding, plus a handy 31 calendar adds further utility. This example is in remarkable condition. As mentioned, the dial is perfect, with tritium hour markers and hands showing even tan patina. The luminous tritium no longer glows and shows only minor separation on the minute hand. When we opened the watch for inspection we were surprised to see just one record of service. At close to 50 years old we would expect to see 3 or 4 additional service etching inside the threaded case back. This would suggest the watch hasn’t been worn very much or has sat idle for decades. That explains the excellent overall condition. The bracelet shows little wear or stretch, still displaying sharp crisp bevelled edges. The original fluted pushers and knurled crown are fully functional with good action. Even the original horizontally signed Heuer buckle is here and snaps tightly shut with a reassuring click. Over the years with continuous wear the factory engraved style/serial numbers often completely disappear, not so with this one, the machined etchings numbers are still clearly visible on the edge of the case back.  Overall, this is a very good example of a rare and underappreciated Heuer. We a happy to offer the next owner a complimentary 1-year warranty. This retro classic is estate priced at $5,500.00 CAD. 520-00166.

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