Vintage Heuer - Pre Carrera - think late 1940s - early 50s

[NewInterest]

Hi Guys,

I'm hoping one of you would be able to lend some expertise. I recently inherited an old Heuer from my granddad. I'd like to find out some more information about it. 

I've taken it to a vintage watch specialist in London and he wan't able to tell me a great deal about age or its history. He tried opening the back with a rubber grip and couldn't get in, which suggested to him it's not been opened before and all the parts on the face are probably the originals. 

He also said that despite the strap material breaking down, it doesn't look like it has been worn much. The watch was found in a box in a drawer in a basement and I don't ever remember my granddad wearing it so this may well be true.

I wondered if anyone could help me identify it? And any rough indication of worth? 

Thank you in advance

[ceejay]

Nice watch. No idea on value but here will help http://www.onthedash.com

I'm guessing at a Valjoux V72C movement?

 

Is it my eyes or is the minute hand lying underneath the 9 o'clock subdial hand?

 

Does it work?

[UmpaHimself]

21 minutes ago, ceejay said:

Is it my eyes or is the minute hand lying underneath the 9 o'clock subdial hand?

I think that's the overlap of the chrono seconds hand that is on top.

 

Lovely watch! Congrats. Take it to a proper watchmaker who can remove the caseback and service it for you to get it running again.

[NewInterest]

Thank you for your recommendations. I does look that way in that last photo doesn't it. No it's sitting on top. I'll attach another photo from an angle.

It's not currently ticking. The watch specialist I took it to said it has some life in it, that it'll need a new spring and service.

 

 

[alligoat]

I've got a very similar watch, actually I've got two of the same watch.

Here's a pic of one of them on the left

Your dial is in better shape. Movement is the Valjoux 72 and I date the watches to the late 50s- possibly early 60s before the Carrerra with the V72 which came out in 1963. These watches are worth around $1000 on ebay, some sellers try to sell them for more but don't have much luck.

I don't know which set of hands are earlier, yours or mine. They may be from the same time, or at least are very close timewise. Slay also has a similar watch but his is the V23 bi-compax.

https://rwg.cc/topic/183103-can-someone-help-me-identifyfind-these-hands

It would be worth getting yours serviced definitely.

[alligoat]

here are my two-

The numbers at 12 o'clock are 71585 and 71922- so they are very close datewise.

Yours look like either 50395 or 60395 and would appear to be slightly earlier. Since the chrono pushers are round, I still date these watches from the 50s. If they had the longer rectangular pushers I'd say 40s.

[mcotter]

Aligoat,

i believe your data is all correct, the triangulated Dagger hands are earlier yet 50s for sure.

i handled that same period Heuer at a prominent LA dealer's shop yesterday(described as mid 50s.)

also same dial w/ flat pushers described as 40's.....best,. Mcotter