Why This Watch Matters This panda-style chronograph is a Heuer in disguise with a great backstory, nothing like all those other Heuers. The Full Story Heuer had a lengthy history as a private-label maker of watches for other companies. Vintage watches branded as Abercrombie & Fitch by Heuer are popular examples, and today, we have a watch that Heuer made for Sears in the 1960s. This watch doesn't have Sears written on the dial, instead, it features "Tradition." This was a brand that Heuer made specifically for Sears to sell. At the time, it would have been an economy option from Heuer. The movement is signed "SEARS ROEBUCK Co" and the case is signed "SEARS, ROEBUCK, AND Co." Many of the watches made for Sears were chrome-plated, but this example is all stainless steel, which is a nice feature. This watch has a great overall vintage style, with consistent patina on the dial. The lume has aged to an attractive yellow color. The black engine-turned sub-dials have aged to a pleasing grey-ish color, which depending on the light can look lighter or darker. The watch has the typical Heuer styling with matchstick-style hands and a two-register dial. The case number and reference numbers are stamped between the lugs like other Heuer chronographs of this era. These Tradition-branded chronographs offer a great value when compared to their Heuer-branded counterparts and offer a glimpse into the past of one of America's oldest retail stores. We placed this chronograph on our Sedona watch strap in green to give it a casual, everyday look. The Fine Print Maker: Tradition Reference: 7723Year: 1960s Case No: 137853Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 11mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Valjoux, manually wound 7733Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Black Racing Strap Lug Width: 19mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: Sears, Roebuck And Co. signature of case and movement Panda dial Built by Heuer Clean condition with great patina Things To Know: Scratches on case This Tradition is in overall great, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches; it is likely unpolished. The case writing on the caseback is all visible but shows signs of a previous polish or some wear. The reference and case numbers are very clearly visible between the lugs at six and 12 o'clock. The dial is in good condition with light spotting and patina throughout, which can be hard to see depending on the lighting. The sub-dials have developed patina although have remained a stark black color that stands out on the wrist. The hands and hour markers have developed patina. The lume on the hands and dial have developed patina and are close to matching in color. Some of the lume plots show signs of degradation but most are full. The crown is unsigned, which is common for this model. The crystal has some scratches. The dial is signed "Tradition". The case and movement are signed by Sears, Roebuck And Co. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
Related
Related
Related
Related