Extremely rare Heuer Carrera military watch used by the Belgian Air Force in the 1970's. Ref. 7753.
We go back in time. Post Congo conflict, Belgium modernized their fleet and equipment, and the air force procured the new “two-seater Lockheed f-104 Starfighter “starting in the mid-1960s and then the Dassault mirage fighter in 1970.
As part of the update was a small order for 250 Heuer Carreras with military specified large luminous Arabic numerals and luminous hands for improved legibility in the cockpit.
Heuer reportedly produced 300 pieces, resulting in a surplus of 50 civilian units. This particular watch was made for the "class of 1970” literally for one year only, making this timepiece exceptionally rare as less than 10 are currently known.
Also, servicemen were required to return these pieces upon discharge and the watches were reportedly destroyed instead of sold off as surplus like the British and French military.
The early models unusually and uniquely housed the Valjoux 7733, as opposed to the Valjoux 7730, found in other reference 7753 models. This watch has the Valjoux 7733 with number 48. The watch is a deceptively simple connoisseur's piece; as a matter of fact, aside from being a very rare and fascinating watch, it is also a stark reminder that Heuer timepieces were also important tool watches that played a crucial role in military history.
The watch is fully serviced as you can see on my YouTube channel:
The Watch Doctor
| Merk |
Heuer Carrera |
| Model |
7753 |
| Geslacht |
Heren |
| Periode |
1970 |
| Uurwerk |
Chronograaf |
| Materiaal kast |
Roestvrij staal |
| Diameter kast (kroon excl.) |
36 mm |
| Materiaal band |
Leder |
| Kleur band + breedte |
Zwart (18 mm) |
| Lengte band (kast incl.) |
24 cm |
| Waterdichtheid |
/ |
| Kleur wijzerplaat |
Zwart |
| Type glas |
Kunststof |
| Extra's |
Chronograaf |
| Caliber |
Valjoux 7733 |
| Kastnummer |
106375 | 7753
|
| Serienummer |
/ |
| Hoogte kast |
11,4 mm (glas incl.) |
| Totaal gewicht |
51,3 gram |
| Garantie horlogedokter.be |
6 maanden |
