This incredibly rare, steel Heuer Carrera 2547NS “Dato 12” is one of the most complicated watches ever produced by Heuer. It has its original, silver-on-black reverse “panda” dial, with the outer date ring and sub-registers contrasting beautifully against the matte black dial. The watch also has matching, all original patina on the tritium hour markers and hands. Finally, it has its original, Heuer-signed crown and comes on a black leather rally strap.

Like many of Heuer’s most iconic chronographs, the origins of the Carrera can be traced back to 60s motorsport. It was inspired by one of history’s most dangerous events, the “Carrera Panamericana”, a legendary border-to-border sedan and sports car racing of the 1950’s, 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 Heuer’s appreciation for motorsport, and hands-on approach with its teams and drivers.

The Heuer Carrera 2547NS epitomises the brand's famous sixties spirit and design philosophy. Jack Heuer’s 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 reverse “panda” dial" three-register, triple-calendar arrangement is rarity, with this example preserved in exceptional condition. The case measures 36 mm and dates to the late 1960s (serial 136 XXX). To the left of the case are two corrector buttons, operating the day, date and month. Throughout its production, the 2547 reference was manufactured in two case variations, with earlier executions featuring a screw-down caseback. Later examples (such as this piece), manufactured between '67 to '71, displayed snap-on backs and thinner-sized lugs.

Exhibiting subtle blue accents for the date indications, with black and silver tones across the dial, this 2547NS is understated and well-balanced. The hour markers are applied, together with aged tritium index markings. Found at 12 o’clock are two apertures for the day and month, below the ‘Heuer’ logo. The sub-registers at three, six and nine o'clock are the fifteen-minute, sub-second and twelve-hour dials, respectively - the latter of which, influenced the “Dato 12” moniker. 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, 17 jewel, Valjoux Calibre 723 (signed as “Heuer-Leonidas") at its heart, beating at 18,000 A/h, with a power reserve of approximately 46 hours. The movement is derived from the tried and tested column-wheel chronograph Valjoux 72 calibre, with an additional module for the triple-calendar complication.

This Heuer Carrera 2547NS, the most complicated watch produced by the brand, reminds us why Heuer chronograph wristwatches are so sought-after by collectors of today. In essence, the Ref. 2547NS encapsulates the continued affection and appreciation for highly-complicated, vintage pieces, in the best possible way.

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