Heuer 1940s 'Big Eyes' Chronograph

This is one of the most striking early Heuer chronographs you will ever come across.

Heuer has a rich history of tool watch production. Whether it's stopwatches or chronographs, the Swiss brand knows a thing or two about timing events, particularly of the sporting variety. This circa 1940s chronograph features a creamy two-tone dial, a luminous dial and hands, and engine-turned "big eyes" sub-dials that line up nicely with the central axis of the hands. Overall, it has a very balanced aesthetic and the dial is just full of interesting details to pick out – like that

Early Heuer chronographs like this are not the easiest things to find in the vintage watch world, especially in clean condition like this one. The sub-dials on this example are quite large and are sometimes referred to as "Big Eyes." These large sub-dials were used for maximum legibility. The tone of this dial has turned bronze with the outer minute track showing in an almost dark grey color.

This watch has a 37mm case size, which is quite substantial for the time. It is 11.5mm thick and has a snap-back case, granting the watch a better-than-expected wrist presence.

We have paired the watch with our Genuine leather watch strap in Red to play off of that dial and give a sophisticated look.


Maker: Heuer
Model: Chronograph
Year: 1940s
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 11.5 thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Radium
Caliber: Heuer signed Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 23
Bracelet/Strap: Genuine leather Watch Strap in Red with tang buckle
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: No


Clean Bronze dial with a arker patina
"Big Eyes" subdials
Original, creamy lume
Golen hands


Light scratches on case

This Heuer is in overall excellent condition. The case is strong with scratches and appears to be unpolished in our view. The edges on the lugs are very crisp as is the finish on the side of the case. There are a few scratches on the caseback.

The dial is in great condition and has developed patina that has turned the main dial color to a dark grey. The outer minute track is finished in a separate tone . The engine-turned subsidiary dials have very light scratches in the center. The lume on the dial has aged to an overall bronze color. The lume on the hands has developed patina and is close in color to that of the dial. The hands have developed some patina.

The crown is correctly unsigned for this reference and era. The crystal is generally clean with light scratches. The dial, movement, and case are signed by Heuer.

Comes with Generic Watch Box