Heuer Pilot Quartz Chronograph Rare Gents Watch 43mm 1984 230.006
This watch has the following features:
- Original, Swiss made high precision Heuer Cal. 185 movement which features a quartz base, fitted with a Dubois-Depraz 2000 chronograph module
- Stainless Steel case (~43mm excluding crown) and integrated Stainless Steel bracelet (suitable for an ~8 inch wrist)
- Stainless steel, scallop edged bidirectional rotating bezel with factory black insert
- Grey dial with black periphery, with 3 subsidiary dials, signed ‘Heuer Pilot Quartz Chronograph 100 Meters T Swiss Made T’
- Stepped, mineral crystal glass with ‘bubble’ date magnifier
- Stainless Steel screw-down caseback with Heuer logo and model number
- Z style Heuer double safety deployant clasp with micro adjustment
- Stainless Steel Heuer signed push-pull crown with adjacent chronograph pushers
- Date aperture at 3 O’Clock
Before their acquisition by TAG, Heuer were a very well respected horological giant brand who rose to be the ultimate watch brand in the world of motorsport. Impressively, they pioneered the first automatic chronograph movement. This Pilot’s watch is one of the very last models produced by Heuer, before they became TAG Heuer in 1986.
This reference 230.006 features a bold and contemporary 43mm case, fitted with a bidirectional rotating bezel with a sleek black insert. Being designed specifically for Pilots, this dial and bezel combination has remarkable readability with striking red accents and a beautiful gun metal grey dial with 3 subsidiary displays. As for the movement, it is a particularly interesting and unique Heuer Cal. 185, a quartz base with a mechanical module on top - Dubois-Deprazdeveloped this specifically and exclusively at the instruction of Heuer in the 80’s. Amazingly, this module was also used in the first Royal Oak chronograph from 1995. Upon setting the chronograph into life, it sweeps smoothly just like you’d expect from an automatic timepiece. It’s this which makes the beating heart of this piece so special.
The date window is also unique in that it has a "Cyclops" magnifier, but rather than apply it to the crystal-like Rolex does, Heuer put it in the dial between the date wheel and the space between the dial and hands. The entire mineral crystal is beautifully stepped and domed – which adds real character to the piece. It is features like this which that will re-appear later in TAG Heuer catalogues of the future, only for the premium of these original models to jump up exponentially in price. The brushed and highly polished bracelet is integrated into the case and is supremely comfortable due to its supple nature. Conveniently, it is adjustable to the perfect fit thanks to the micro adjustment within the clasp. Fastening the piece in place is a Heuer signed double safety clasp in Stainless Steel, in beautiful condition with the logo nice and crisp.
This example was purchased from an ex-Concorde pilot who wore this during the late 80’s, possibly on supersonic flights back and forth to America. It has just been serviced and is new to market, a very clean find with an impressive provenance. At the time of purchase in 1984 this Heuer was under $500! This 260.002 is one of the best kept secrets from the Heuer catalogues, the current availability shows that this model was never produced in high quantities and is ideal for a collector or enthusiast.
As for the condition, it is excellent as per the photographs showing very few signs of wear. Considering it’s around 40 years old it’s in remarkable condition, and still as beautiful as the day it left the Heuer factory. I have checked the timekeeping over 24 hours and it’s great, the crown is responsive, the bracelet tight, while the clasp fastens securely. It has been recently serviced and as such all functions are working perfectly.
Along with the watch itself comes a plain presentation box and an invoice for your purchase.
This watch will also go via the eBay authenticity centre and will come with added paperwork for peace of mind.
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