1940's Vintage Heuer 2543 Chronograph Valjoux 72C Triple Date Day Pre-Carrera

The watches that begin appearing in the 1940s include some that are very much sought after classics today. Elements of models like the ref. 2543 can be seen in later watches like the Carrera, which even shares a model reference with the earlier watch. Occasionally, these watches are referred to as pre-Carreras. The Valjoux 72 is a three register column wheel manual wind chronograph movement which traces its origins back to the 1930s. The V72 was used in the Daytona Paul Newman and many other high end watches.

A lovely and clean example of a circa early 1940s Heuer Reference 2543 chronograph with Triple date complications also known for Tri Compax.

The Heuer 2543 was one of the most advanced watches of its time, featuring a complete calendar (month, day, and date) in addition to a chronograph. It is powered by the same Valjoux 72C movement (one of the high complication Valjoux movement other than Valjoux 88 with moonphase) found in the “Jean-Claude Killy” Rolex models that are so highly prized by collectors. This is one of the nicest examples I have seen, with a beautiful blue date track and blue print on the month and day discs. You can clearly see the DNA of the Carrera that would be introduced in 1963 in this model, with the sharp angled lugs that are not quite as bold as the Carrera to follow.

This Heuer 2543 Valjoux 72C version similar to REF. 2447, 2548, 2557 and  2558 (lather two are gold version.). This version Per on the dash - Silver (white) dial, with blue printing for day, date and month; comes with sword gold hands. The tip of date hand also painted blue.  The case appears unpolished with normal wear and nice sharp edges.  The dial shows some wear and aging with great patina.   Watch is running, chronograph starts, counts down, stops, and resets to 12.

This is a beauty. It is very rare to find a watch this old. Defiantly a collector watch. Please look at all the pictures, as they are part of the description. The watch is working and chronograph fully functions. This is a highly collectible watch. Very few left with this rare movement. Sure, to increase in value overtime, and a great addition to your collection. The condition of the watch is the same as it appears in the photos.   The watch is working and is part of our new Certified Pre-Owned CPO.  Contact me if you have any questions first.

Having a love for complications and complicated watches, makes me love Chronograph watches. At first two register chronograph for simplicity of the dial and providing chronograph functionality for the most. Then the three-register chronograph for the complication of movement and the history of the movements, like of the iconic Omega Ref. 321, Ref. 861 (used in famous moon landing), Zenith El Primero, Venus mostly used in Breitlings, Landeron, and one of the most well-known movement makers Valjoux. With their famous Valjoux 72 put in the vintage Rolex Pre Daytona’s and of course the big dog Patek Philippe reference 2499 using Valjoux 88 my favorite which sold in auction for $3.30 Million in 2018.  I also love the Heuer Caliber 11 first micro automatic chronograph movement with date.

 A Chronograph is simply a watch that combines the function of a stopwatch with a timekeeping display watch, by utilizing an independent sweep second hand. Chronographs often have complications on the face of the watch which can be used to record different time measurements, moon cycles, heart rate and more. Chronographs have usually have a separate buttons to stop, start, and reset (unless it is an monopusher) the stopwatch complication, with the start button typically at the two and four o’clock position.

 The name Chronograph is derived from the Greek words ‘Chronos’ – the personification of time – and ‘graph’, meaning to write. The first modern Chronograph was created in 1816 by French watchmaker, Louis Moinet. Invented solely for use in union with astrological equipment, Moinet’s Chronograph could measure time accurate to 1/60th of a second – an unrivaled degree of precision at the time of its creation.

"poor man's" Heu-ers represent an interesting facet of Heu-er's history and also provide a sensible way for individuals to collect these chronographs on a more reasonable budget. The term "Poor Man's Heu-er" only to refer to chronographs manufactured by Heu-er for other brands one of which is Zodiac & Clebar, which is one of my favorite brands. Please note on ebay there are few brands that are not made by Heu-er and still refer to as Poor man which is not true.