1940s Heuer 'Big Eyes' Chronograph Ref. 2406
Why This Watch Matters
Who doesn't love a glossy black dial?
The Full Story
Heuer has a long history of tool watch production. Whether it's stopwatches or chronographs, the Swiss brand is intimately familiar with the professional timing of events, particularly of the sporting variety. Heuer would come out with many different chronographs over the years in a variety of styles. The watch we have here today is a chronograph from the 1940s featuring a glossy black dial with luminous dial and hands, as well as engine-turned sub-dials that line up nicely with the central axis of the hands. Overall, it has a very balanced and beautiful aesthetic. The sub-dials on this example are quite large and are sometimes referred to as "Big Eyes." Since these chronographs were meant to be used, the luminous dial, hands, and large sub-registers were all made with function and legibility in mind.
This watch is an early example of a screw-back chronograph from Heuer and has a slightly different construction than later examples. Also, this watch has an unsigned movement and case, which is correct for this time period. The watch was well cared for over the years and has remained in great condition. The lume has aged beautifully and is an attractive yellow color while the black dial has stayed glossy. Overall, this watch has a great look.
We paired it with our Sedona Strap in Mustard to accentuate the lume and give this traditional tool-watch a more casual vibe, perfect for many occasions.
The Fine Print
Maker: Heuer
Model: Chronograph
Reference: 2406
Year: 1940s
Case No: 45329
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 34mm diameter; 12.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, radium
Caliber: Landeron, manual wound, caliber 13
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Sedona in Mustard
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
This 'Big Eye' is in overall excellent condition. The case is probably unpolished with some scratches. The finish on the top of the case is all intact, and the writing on the caseback is all still there. The dial is in good condition and has developed a light patina. The dial has a little spot of patina to the left side of the "Big Eye" subsidiary register (this is actually being covered by the minute hand in photos). The hands may be later replacements. The lume on the hands and dial have developed patina. The lume on the hands is a slightly darker shade of yellow and has some darker patina on the minute hand. The dial, case, movement, and crown are all signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
Original: $5,900.00
-65%$5,900.00
$2,065.00
Description
Why This Watch Matters
Who doesn't love a glossy black dial?
The Full Story
Heuer has a long history of tool watch production. Whether it's stopwatches or chronographs, the Swiss brand is intimately familiar with the professional timing of events, particularly of the sporting variety. Heuer would come out with many different chronographs over the years in a variety of styles. The watch we have here today is a chronograph from the 1940s featuring a glossy black dial with luminous dial and hands, as well as engine-turned sub-dials that line up nicely with the central axis of the hands. Overall, it has a very balanced and beautiful aesthetic. The sub-dials on this example are quite large and are sometimes referred to as "Big Eyes." Since these chronographs were meant to be used, the luminous dial, hands, and large sub-registers were all made with function and legibility in mind.
This watch is an early example of a screw-back chronograph from Heuer and has a slightly different construction than later examples. Also, this watch has an unsigned movement and case, which is correct for this time period. The watch was well cared for over the years and has remained in great condition. The lume has aged beautifully and is an attractive yellow color while the black dial has stayed glossy. Overall, this watch has a great look.
We paired it with our Sedona Strap in Mustard to accentuate the lume and give this traditional tool-watch a more casual vibe, perfect for many occasions.
The Fine Print
Maker: Heuer
Model: Chronograph
Reference: 2406
Year: 1940s
Case No: 45329
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 34mm diameter; 12.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, radium
Caliber: Landeron, manual wound, caliber 13
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Sedona in Mustard
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
This 'Big Eye' is in overall excellent condition. The case is probably unpolished with some scratches. The finish on the top of the case is all intact, and the writing on the caseback is all still there. The dial is in good condition and has developed a light patina. The dial has a little spot of patina to the left side of the "Big Eye" subsidiary register (this is actually being covered by the minute hand in photos). The hands may be later replacements. The lume on the hands and dial have developed patina. The lume on the hands is a slightly darker shade of yellow and has some darker patina on the minute hand. The dial, case, movement, and crown are all signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
