The Heuer Solunar
A Heuer Skipper
Known for its sporty-look timepieces, Heuer released the dressier Verona chronograph, with a black dial and polished steel or gold bezel, in 1978 and 1979. Not on the market very long, today it is a true rarity. The watch used automatic Caliber 12, with 30-minute and 12-hour counters, and the dial had thin, elegant hands and indices. The Verona in the auction (Ref. 110213 N, below) comes with its original leather strap and its original box and papers.
And of course, the other iconic 1970s racing watch that has recently been reissued by TAG Heuer, the Silverstone, is also represented. Known for its cushion-shaped case, the Silverstone came out in 1974. It was named for the racetrack near London that is home to the British Grand Prix and was worn by such Formula 1 stars as Clay Regazzoni and Emerson Fittipaldi. In addition to the vintage models up for bid, including a very rare blue-dial Silverstone with steel bracelet (Ref. 110313 B, below) and a similar piece with a smoky brown dial, there is a special one-of-a-kind model made by TAG Heuer this year to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The Silverstone Calibre 11 Chronograph Jack Heuer Unique Piece features the red dial last used on the Silverstone in 1977, and has a matching red leather perforated strap. At 12 o’clock, the dial shows the original Heuer logo; at 6 o’clock, above the date aperture, is the signature of Jack Heuer, great-grandson of the brand’s founder and creator of the Carrera and other famous models. An engraving on the caseback indicates the watch’s unique status. Proceeds from the sale of this piece will benefit Green Cross International, an environmental charity supported by one of TAG Heuer’s celebrity “ambassadors,” actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
More info on all 100 lots, including opening bids and details on the various Carrera references that make up the greatest share of the watches offered, are available at www.bonhams.com.
