Why This Watch Matters This first execution ref. 1153S Carrera is Heuer's version of a "Big Red" with a, well, big and red chronograph seconds hand. The Full Story The Carrera ref. 1153 was part of the trio of automatic chronographs Heuer debuted in 1969 that housed the new caliber 11, one of the world's first automatic chronograph movements. The other watches included the Autavia ref. 1163 and the Monaco ref. 1133. Heuer was part of a coalition of brands – including Breitling, Dubois-Dépraz, and Hamilton-Buren – that helped bring one of the earliest automatic chronographs to market. Unlike the Monaco, which was a completely new watch for Heuer when it was introduced in 1969, the Carrera ref. 1153 was intended to be an evolution of the original Carrera, introduced in 1963. The Carrera ref. 1153 retained the inner tension ring characteristic of the Carrera line that could display additional information, like the seconds track on the ref. 2447. Instead, the ref. 1153 used this inner ring to display a tachymeter track (and, in rare instances, other types of scales), with the seconds track on the edge of the dial itself. The new C-shaped case profile would give the Carrera a more modern 1970s feel, and now with an automatic movement, Heuer moved the crown to the other side of case, making it instantly recognizable as a self-winding watch with caliber 11. This first execution ref. 1153S is one of the more striking variants within the 70s Carrera universe. The silver dial, hence the "S" at the end of the reference, is accented by blue/grey sub-registers and inner "TACHY" scale. The large and red chronograph seconds hand pops off the wrist similar to a line of large, red text by a competing motorsport chronograph of the era. We paired this "Big Red" Carerra with our Holland strap in an accent matching steel blue. The cherry on top is a modern Heuer-signed tang buckle. The Fine Print Maker: HeuerModel: CarreraReference: 1153SYear: 1970sCase No: 148444Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 40mm diameter; 13.5mm thickness Crystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Heuer, self-winding, caliber 11Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Holland Calfskin Watch Strap In SteelLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: Silver dial with steel blue accents Large, red chronograph seconds hand Excellent lume patina Things To Know: Scratches and light corrosion on case Light scratch on dial near Heuer logo This Carrera is in overall nice, honest condition. The case has some scratches and a spot of corrosion on the top side near one o'clock. The finish is still visible on the top of the case. The rear of the lugs show some marks from strap changes removal. The numbers between both sets of lugs are slightly damaged from straps rubbing over the years yet remain readable with a loupe. The dial and hands are in good condition with some patina. There is a light scratch under the Heuer logo, towards the handstack. The lume on the dial has developed patina and has aged to an attractive toasted almond color. The lume in the hands has developed patina that is similar to that of the dial. The hands themselves have developed some patina. There are light scratches on the crystal. The dial, crown, case, and movement are all signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
