Why This Watch Matters
This example is an underrated beauty with the beloved, classic vintage style of the 1960s plus a bit of flare from a larger cushion-shaped case seen more in the 1970s.
The Full Story
The Heuer Camaro has been an interesting model among vintage Heuer because it is uniquely associated with an American automobile by Chevrolet. When the Camaro Super Sport became Indy 500’s official pace-car between 1967 and 1969, all the American racing fans became familiar with this name and logo. It was Jack Heuer’s brilliant marketing plan to capture the American market at this moment. A new case style with a slightly angular cushion shape and either a two- or three-register dial were used. There were also gold versions of the Camaro produced in very small quantities that are rarely seen today. The production of this model was rather short lived – from approximately 1968 to 1972 – but it truly captured the essence of the era and what this model was about: the freedom to think big and outside the box.
The Fine Print
Maker: HeuerModel: CamaroReference: 7443Year: Late 1960sCase No: 169292Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 37 x 37mm; 13.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Valjoux manual-winding caliber 7730Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Honey Gold Calfskin StrapLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: N/A
What we Love and What You Should Know
The case shows some light scratches overall with a few minor nicks on the side of the case around the nine o’clock position. The crown and pushers appear to be original, with a light sign of wear on the pushers. The dial is overall in good condition with a light patina overall. There are slight imperfections on the left register with a greenish color. The lume plots have patinated and some of them have worn off in certain areas. The handset and indexes show scratches and wear overall, and the handset may be later original. The movement is in running condition with the chronograph starting, stopping, and resetting correctly at this time.