Heuer Camaro 73343 Men's Vintage Watch

A wonderful example of the Heuer Camaro with a beautifully aged dial and original warranty papers.

This fantastic example of one of our favourite watches and took over 4 months to source, such is the rarity of one in this condition.

This example is the reference 73343 in stainless steel, with a black face and two registers. The watch is well cared for and has recently undergone a full service. We’ve included a brand new premium leather racing strap along with the strap and original Heuer clasp the watch originally came with. 

If you want the perfect unison of masculinity and elegance this watch is for you. Be quick, this is one of the hottest watches in the vintage world and won’t hang around for long!

Background:

The Heuer Camaro is a fantastic and until recently, highly underappreciated watch. Launched in 1968 it would be the last to feature a manual-winding chronograph.

Just one year after, Heuer would go on to release its first automatic chronograph calibre. Where the Carrera and Autavia models would receive this new automatic movement, the Camaro never did and in 1972 the Camaro was phased out after just 4 years in production. 

Once largely ignored in favour of its sister Carrera and Autavia models, renewed interest in the model, paired with its short production run has seen prices rocket in recent years with no signs of slowing. 

The Camaro's story is linked to Heuer's desire to increase its presence in the US market when in the late 1960's it was rumoured that Jack Heuer took the opportunity to link the name of this new model to the adrenaline of US motor racing. The name he chose was a nod to the Chevy Camaro – a popular racing car at the time (and iconic model to this day) and the pace car to the Indianapolis 500 (an equally iconic race series). Whilst both the Chevy Camaro and Heuer Camaro shared an unmistakably masculine image, the Heuer also managed to be elegant at the same time.

 The design of the Heuer Camaro is the perfect bringing together of elegance and masculinity. Whilst the dial, hands, and movements are shared with its more famed brother – the Heuer Carrera, several dial variations were offered; black, white and panda dials, two or three sub-dials, date and non-date versions.

The real magic of the Camaro, however, is its case. Its 37mm stainless steel cushion case oozes masculinity but does so subtly. Finished on top with a sunburst pattern, this is contrasted with plain polished sides creating the perfect union of masculinity and elegance. 

The Heuer wasn't just a pretty face, of course, it was also reliable and well made. The Camaro came with one of three famed movements, all made by Valjoux; the Valjoux 72 (as used by the Rolex Daytona), the Valjoux 92 and finally the Valjoux 773X family of movements.

So next time you’re struggling to find that balance between elegance and masculinity – be sure to check out the Heuer Camaro. Don’t ponder too long though as the prices of this watch are only going one way!

Condition Report:

Like all our watches it has been professionally serviced and regulated by our watchmaker as well as authenticated by an independent third party.   

• Dial: Near mint condition dial showing an attractive brown ageing;  
• Hands: Original. Part of the lume on the minute hand has perished; 
• Glass: Near mint condition with minor scratches visible when viewed under a 4x loupe;
• Case: Case shows sharp edges. Minor scratches and dints visible under the naked eye;
• Movement: Original, fully serviced & regulated. Movement shows minor marks and tarnishing commensurate with general wear visible when viewed under a 4x loupe;
• Strap: New replacement leather racing style strap with original Heuer clasp.
• Other: Original Heuer guarantee included dating from 14th December, 1972.