1970s Heuer Carrera Ref. 73655 CH In Gold Plate

Why This Watch Matters

A funky, transitional, gold-plated Carrera, this one mixes a manually-wound movement with some 1970s case and dial design to great success.

The Full Story

Heuer introduced the Carrera in 1964, and today, it's one of the most iconic vintage Heuer chronograph models out there. The Carrera has gone through an interesting design evolution, indicative of styles and trends of each era. Starting in the 1960s with the ref. 2447, the Carrera featured a classic round case with the crown and pushers on the right. Moving into the 1970s, the brand released more funky styles, including some in tonneau-shaped cases with the left-hand crown orientation. The example we have here is the ref. 73655 CH with a tonneau-shaped gold plated case and manually wound chronograph movement that sits in a transition phase for the model. Heuer debuted the legendary Caliber 11 automatic chronograph movement in 1969 and offered automatic and manual versions of the Carrera at the same time. 

With a gold-plated case and a "CH" following the reference number denoting a "champagne" dial tone, the look here is clear, luxury opulence on a budget. The combination is very similar to the legendary Carrera ref. 1158 CH "Ferrari." This reference was offered in three different executions in just a few-year production span in the early 1970s, this example being the second execution. This is delineated with a fully graduated six o'clock sub-register and slimmer hour markers.

We were also stunned by the condition of this watch. Especially with a well preserved gold plated case, it is difficult to find them in clean condition like this, the lines are crisp, the finishes are nearly all present, this watch just has it all condition-wise. With a nice warm patina to the gold-tone, this one is really attractive in person – we are sure it will impress upon delivery.

The watch is fitted on a Barrett watch strap in a deep brown tone that plays off of the patina on the case really well.

The Fine Print

Maker: Heuer
Model: Carrera
Reference: 73655 CH 
Year: 1970s
Case No: 193962
Material: Gold plated with stainless steel caseback 
Dimensions: 38.5mm width x 44mm height; 13.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Heuer signed Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 7736
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Barrett Calfskin Watch Strap In Cigar
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: No

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Unpolished gold plated case
- Champagne dial
- Creamy lume patina

Things To Know:

- Case has light scratches
- Crystal has scratches 

This Carrera is in overall excellent, lightly worn condition. The case is strong and all the gold plating is intact. There is one nick of note near 12 o'clock on the bezel. The case has developed patina on the bezel and sides of the case. The back of the case has developed patina and has some scratches from strap removal. 

The dial is in excellent condition and clean throughout. The lume in the hands and on the dial have aged to the same attractive buttery yellow color. The lume plots are all full with little degradation. The hands and hour markers have developed a light patina. 

The crystal has light scratches. The dial, case, movement, and crown are all signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.