Heuer Carrera Ref. 3147S Second Execution - 'Beyer' Dial 'Dato 45'

The Heuer Carrera has been called a perfect chronograph by many collectors and enthusiasts. Much like the Autavia that predates it, the

Carrera had been intended to be a watch for auto racing — functional, legible, and reliable.

Building on what are known as 'Pre-Carreras,' the first iteration to bear the 'Carrera' name on the dial, the Reference 2447N, would spawn a long line of watches that have been in almost continuous production right up until today.

The aforementioned Ref. 2447N debuted in 1962, the same year as the Rolex Le Mans Ref. 6239 (changed to Daytona a year later in 1963) and both shared many of the same design characteristics: both featured a matte black 'reverse-panda' dial made by Singer, a stainless steel case that were very similar in size, and both utilized the venerable Valjoux 72 manual-winding chronograph movement within. In fact, the largest difference between the two at a glance is the execution of the tachymeter scales.

The Carrera, like many successful model lines, would later see numerous other executions in the form of different movements, dials, etc., but these pieces with the now classic 36mm case remain the most coveted by collectors. 

The piece that we have here, a Ref. 3147S, was introduced in circa 1968 as a replacement for the first execution which only lasted about two years. Why? In addition to a two-register chronograph configuration, the first execution date window was positioned on the top half of the dial just below the 12 o'clock marker, which in turn, was blocked by the chronograph seconds hand when in the still position. The second execution solved that issue by dropping the running seconds register at the 9 o'clock position all together, and replacing it with the date aperture. The resulting asymmetrical layout with the date and a simply 45-minute totalizer in the register at 3 o'clock has resulted in the nickname: the 'Dato 45,' or sometimes, 'Winking Carrera.' It is worth noting that both first and second executions are both powered by the Landeron Cal. 189 manual-winding movement.

This particular example features a sunburst silver dial (denoted by the 'S' in the reference) with a very special and rare "Beyer" signature on the lower half, suggesting that this piece was originally retailed at the famed Beyer retailer in Zurich. It remains in excellent overall condition, with evenly patinated Tritium plots, vibrant sunburst finishing, and a correct handset that matches the dial beautifully. The case is seemingly unpolished, and retains defined finishing across its characteristic 'faceted' lugs with sharp undersides — and apart from a few small impressions on the upper left lug, it shows normal signs of wear for its age throughout.

Since its conception in the early 1960s, the Carrera has become one of the most desirable chronographs ever produced, and its not difficult to see why: Excellent, robust and proven movements. Simple, legible dial layouts. And of course,that striking, unmistakable case with virtually perfect proportions, for nearly any wrist. And then there is the fact that Jack Heuer himself had his hand in its design, which was for a purpose. A true instrument. It just turns out that form followed function, and this beautiful design would go on to leave it mark on the world of horology.