This very rare, Swiss-only, steel Heuer Carrera 2447SND from the early 1970s is a beautiful example of a now iconic racing chronograph. It has its original, black-on-silver panda dial, with the subdials showing definite, early transition to a tropical/brown?tone.?The dial also has?matching, all original patina on the tritium hour markers and hands. Finally, it has its original, Heuer-signed crown and highly-collectible Gay Frres bracelet, with matching HEL end-links.

Like many of Heuers most iconic chronographs, the origins of the Carrera can be traced back to 60s motorsport. It was inspired by?one of historys most dangerous events, the Carrera Panamericana, a legendary border-to-border sedan and sports car racing of the 1950s, on the open roads of Mexico. Translated to "race" or "career" in Spanish, the event ran for five consecutive years and was entered by racers from all over the world, representing virtually every motor-sport. Taking inspiration from this, Heuer chronograph wristwatches throughout the 1960s and 70s were often the tool of choice for professional race-car drivers, owing much to Jack Heuers appreciation for motorsport, and hands-on approach with its teams and drivers.

The Heuer Carrera 2447SND epitomises?the brand's famous sixties spirit and design philosophy. Jack heuers strict adherence to legibility and function, ahead of all other considerations, accomplished a design classic that arguably represents his vision in its purest form. While the Carrera was produced with a range of dial configurations, the panda dial" three-register arrangement is a rarity, in comparison to the standard uniform silver and black dials, without contrasting registers. This particular case dates to circa 1970 (serial 102 XXX); a very early example of a second execution 2447.

This second execution Heuer Carrera 2447SND has a Swiss only dial. The hour markers are applied, together with aged tritium index markings. The Carrera 2447SND also features a clear, outer-dial decimal track and coordinating 1/5 second demarcations on the tension-ring. The crown of the watch is correct and bears the standard Heuer signature, along with corresponding original pump pushers.

The watch carries the manual-winding, Valjoux Calibre 72 (signed as Heuer-Leonidas") at its heart, beating at 18,000 A/h, with a power reserve of approximately 46 hours.

Where this Carrera 2447SND differs from typical examples is its exceptional condition. Whilst this examples vintage character is evident, its well-preserved condition offers a unique horological insight, owing to the exceptional thickness of the case, consistent ageing/completeness of the lumes and original Gay Frres bracelet.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.