1950s Heuer Viscount Chronometer For Baylor
Why This Watch Matters
While Heuer is known for its outstanding chronographs and stopwatches, this watch is perplexing; it's a chronometer-certified, time-only Heuer, something we've never seen previously. Add in an unusual, unpolished Piquerez “Compressor” case, and you have a great vintage watch.
The Full Story
While we love vintage Heuer chronographs, we don’t see too many of the non-chronograph models come across our desks. They're uncommon and those we do see often have very worn dials. This one, however, got us very excited. First, it says “chronometer” below the Heuer logo – something we haven’t seen previously on a vintage Heuer. With further research, we only found a few of these “Viscount” chronometers in existence. Second, this watch was made by Heuer for Baylor, a jewelry company in Texas that was affiliated with Zales; it's unusual to see a co-branded dial like this. Third, the watch is housed in an unpolished “Compressor” case made by Piquerez, a case company that would make legendary steel cases for the Heuer Carrera, Heuer Monaco, and Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris.
The Fine Print
Maker: Heuer for Baylor
Model: Viscount Chronometer
Reference: N/A
Year: Circa 1950s
Case No: 36606
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 34mm diameter; 10mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, radium
Caliber: A. Schild self-winding caliber 1580
Bracelet/Strap: The Davenport Watch Strap In Blue
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: N/A
What we Love and What You Should Know
The case is in good condition and unpolished with crisp bevels on the lugs. The crown appears to be original. Heuer did not have “signed” crowns with the Heuer logo until the 1960s, so it is correct for it to be unsigned. The dial is in mint condition. Overall, this is a remarkably nice watch.
Original: $3,300.00
-65%$3,300.00
$1,155.00
Description
Why This Watch Matters
While Heuer is known for its outstanding chronographs and stopwatches, this watch is perplexing; it's a chronometer-certified, time-only Heuer, something we've never seen previously. Add in an unusual, unpolished Piquerez “Compressor” case, and you have a great vintage watch.
The Full Story
While we love vintage Heuer chronographs, we don’t see too many of the non-chronograph models come across our desks. They're uncommon and those we do see often have very worn dials. This one, however, got us very excited. First, it says “chronometer” below the Heuer logo – something we haven’t seen previously on a vintage Heuer. With further research, we only found a few of these “Viscount” chronometers in existence. Second, this watch was made by Heuer for Baylor, a jewelry company in Texas that was affiliated with Zales; it's unusual to see a co-branded dial like this. Third, the watch is housed in an unpolished “Compressor” case made by Piquerez, a case company that would make legendary steel cases for the Heuer Carrera, Heuer Monaco, and Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris.
The Fine Print
Maker: Heuer for Baylor
Model: Viscount Chronometer
Reference: N/A
Year: Circa 1950s
Case No: 36606
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 34mm diameter; 10mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, radium
Caliber: A. Schild self-winding caliber 1580
Bracelet/Strap: The Davenport Watch Strap In Blue
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: N/A
What we Love and What You Should Know
The case is in good condition and unpolished with crisp bevels on the lugs. The crown appears to be original. Heuer did not have “signed” crowns with the Heuer logo until the 1960s, so it is correct for it to be unsigned. The dial is in mint condition. Overall, this is a remarkably nice watch.
