Heuer Carrera project watch by the “Watchmaking school of Solothurn” / “Uhrmacherschule Solothurn” – reference 1153S MK III.

We are product to presents this scarce and intriguing project watch, issued as an end of studies final exam from the watchmaking school of Solothurn, proudly displayed on the dial. Founded in 1884 near Grenchen, this was the only watchmaking school in German-speaking Switzerland. The present timepiece is roughly based on a Heuer Mk III Carrera reference 1153S, except for the housed Hamilton movement, developed in cooperation with Breitling and Heuer. There is a handful of similar examples that have surfaced to the market such as lot 40 from the 2010 Bonhams auction of “The Haslinger Collection of fine watches”. In short, this chronograph combines amazing vintage looks, comes completely original all the way to the bracelet commissioned by Gay Freres and has a watchmaking pedigree that contributes to its rarity. This trifecta of traits are sure to appeal to any collector, especially when the package comes in such well-kept condition. We think it would be quite some time until a similar one – in this condition – pops up on the market.

Please read the condition report carefully and refer to the high-resolution pictures to help you assess the overall condition of the watch.

MODEL / REFERENCE: Solothurn Watchmaking School – Heuer Carrera automatic chronograph reference 1153S MK III.

DIAL+HANDS: The silver dial is immaculate and retains a panda color scheme throughout its spotless color and recessed, engine-turned subdials. The dark grey, bi-compax display indicates constant running seconds at nine o’clock and a 30 minutes counter at 3’oclock. The date window at 6 o’clock has a clean and crisp disc. The rehaut shows a highly legible tachymeter scale in absolutely stunning condition. The printing is still perfectly preserved and the applied, wide indexes are silvered and dissected with contrasting onyx stripes. The associated Tritium lume bands have beautifully aged, taking a creamy colored patina. The original hour and minute hands are in mint condition and have intact Tritium inlays, matching the indexes’ color patina. The neon orange central seconds hand is correct and enhances legibility all while adding a touch of that 1970s funk!

CRYSTAL: The domed Plexiglass crystal is in very good condition with only some hairline scratches that can be polished off.

CASE: The tonneau-shaped stainless steel case wears perfectly, thanks to its nice size of 38.5 mm diameter and 14mm thickness. In Overall good condition, it still maintains a strong profile and sharp lines. We believe it is unpolished as it retains its signature sunburst finish on top, extending all the way to the sides. The surface however shows light scratches and signs of wear throughout, commensurate with age and careful wear. There is a noticeable scuff under the bezel on the right side of the case, please refer to the pictures.

CASEBACK: The single step, 6 notches stainless-steel case back screws in tightly. In very good overall condition, it retains its original concentric brushed finish and displays some minor surface scratches throughout, commensurate with careful wear. The inner side is clean, bearing the correct “Heuer” and “Leonidas SA” names as well as the case’s material.

CROWN+PUSHERS: The Heuer signed crown is on the left side of the case. It winds and sets the time easily. The fluted pump chronograph pushers are correct to this reference and can be found on the right side. They work as intended, starting, stopping and resetting the chronograph.

MOVEMENT: Like many of its watchmaking school brethren, this chronograph is powered by a signed Hamilton Chrono-matic cal.12 instead of a Heuer signed one. This cam switched movement is the first micro-rotor chronograph movement ever produced, featuring a beautiful gilded finish, a bi-compax display and a semi-quickset date function. The movement has been checked by our watchmaker and ticks strong. It winds, sets, and runs accurately as expected.

BRACELET: The watch comes complete with its original, Beads Of Rice bracelet made by Gay Frères, complete with its correct HLC endlinks and a Heuer folding clasp with flip lock dating to 1972. In excellent overall condition, the 20mm stainless steel bracelet is very comfortable to wear and can fit a 19cm wrist circumference. It presents no stretch, original brushed finish and some scratches on the clasp.

WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch. We also provide 12-month guarantee for the correct function of this timepiece. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and conditions

Please feel free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer. Virtual or face-to-face viewing is available by appointment