Serviced 1940's Vintage Heuer 2443 Chronograph Valjoux 72 Pre-Carrera

This is a highly collectible and beautifully preserved example of the 1940s Heuer Ref. 2443 — often referred to as a “Pre-Carrera”. With the legendary Valjoux 72 manual-wind chronograph movement and a rare panda or Arabic-numeral dial, this is a serious piece for vintage chronograph enthusiasts.

Crafted by Heuer in an era when aviation, automotive and competitive timing demanded precision wrist instruments, this model captures the early DNA of later icons like the Carrera and Autavia. Our example is fully serviced and inspected, ready for the next chapter of its life.

The Ref. 2443 holds a special place in Heuer history. Although produced before the formal introduction of the Carrera in 1963, it displays many of the same design philosophies — clean registers, legible dial layout and robust movement architecture. 

Today, these early Heuer tri-register chronographs powered by Valjoux 72 are highly sought after — fewer remain than many early Daytonas and Carreras, yet they often remain undervalued in comparison.

✔ Ref. 2443 “Pre-Carrera” chronograph — one of Heuer’s most collectible early trio-register watches

✔ Valjoux 72 manual-wind movement — historically used in top-tier chronographs

✔ Rare Arabic-numeral dial version with original radium lume and beautiful patina

✔ Stainless steel case with sharp lugs and original finish — case appears unpolished

✔ Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) — fully serviced, function tested & quality checked

The Heuer Ref. 2443 was introduced in the early 1940s, well before the iconic Carrera of 1963, and hence is commonly called a “Pre-Carrera.” 

Powered by the Valjoux 72 — the same movement later used in top-tier chronographs from Heuer, Rolex, and others — the 2443 laid the foundation for Heuer’s later instrumental sports watches.

During this era, Heuer focused on industrial-grade tool watches for aviation and motorsport, and the design cues of the 2443 — clean registers, square pushers, angular lugs — carried forward into the Carrera and Autavia families. Other Heuer watches launched along with Heuer 2443 like Heuer 349, Heuer 345, and Heuer 2543, pictured below, plus there variations. 

Heuer Watch Company Overview 

Founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Heuer quickly established itself as a pioneer in precision timekeeping. The brand’s legacy is deeply rooted in motorsports, aviation, and chronograph innovation.

⏱️ The First Chronograph Breakthrough

In 1887, Heuer patented the oscillating pinion, a revolutionary mechanism that simplified the construction of mechanical chronographs. This invention remains a cornerstone in chronograph design and is still used by major Swiss watchmakers today.

🛩️ Dashboard Timers and Aviation

By 1911, Heuer introduced the Time of Trip, the first dashboard chronograph for automobiles and aircraft. This innovation laid the groundwork for Heuer’s deep connection to aviation and motorsports.

🏁 Racing Icons: Autavia and Carrera

In the 1960s, under the leadership of Jack Heuer, the brand launched the Autavia and Carrera—two of the most iconic racing chronographs ever made. These models were designed for legibility, durability, and precision, quickly becoming favorites among professional drivers.

🎬 Pop Culture Fame: The Monaco

In 1969, Heuer released the Monaco, the world’s first automatic chronograph with a square case. It gained legendary status when worn by Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans, cementing Heuer’s place in pop culture.

🔧 TAG Heuer and the Modern Era

In 1985, Heuer was acquired by the TAG Group, becoming TAG Heuer. The brand continued to innovate, blending Swiss heritage with avant-garde design. In 1999, it joined the LVMH luxury group, where it remains a leader in high-performance chronographs and connected watches.