Why This Watch Matters The reference 3647S is a perfect expression of what the Carrera was meant to be – a very sleek chronograph with outstanding legibility. On top of that, it looks damn beautiful, especially on a black racing strap similar to the one it was originally sold on. The Full Story It was a big year for chronographs in 1963, as both the Rolex Daytona and the Heuer Carrera were released. Initially, Heuer released the reference 2447, which was a three-register chronograph with a black or silver dial. Shortly after, Heuer released the reference 3647, like the one you see here, called the Carrera 45. It was virtually identical, except that it did not display an hour register at 6 o’clock, indicating the use of a different chronograph movement from the Valjoux 72 found in the reference 2447. The two-register layout is very true to the stunning simplicity that was at the core of the Carrera design, and as with any vintage Carrera, it looks killer on the wrist. The Fine Print Maker: HeuerModel: CarreraReference: 3647SYear: 1960sCase No: 61386Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 35mm diameter, 11mm thicknessSapphire Crystal: No, plexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Manual wound chronograph caliber Valjoux 92Bracelet/Strap: Black rallye strap, with signed Heuer buckleLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Carrera has a really good case, with the characteristic down-turned lugs showing a pleasing sharpness. The silver dial is in great condition aside from a small scratch near the index at 2 o’clock. The lume plots are still present, but under a loupe you can see some lume loss on the hour hand. Note that this Heuer comes on a black rallye strap and a Heuer-signed buckle, very much like it was originally presented more than 50 years ago.
