Heuer Solunar Ref. 279.603 "Tide Watch"

A stunning example of the Heuer Solunar Ref. 279.603, aka the "Tide Watch". Designed as a tool-watch to show the time of low and high tides over a 2 week period, today examples of the Heuer Solunar are few and far between. 

The Heuer Solunar 279.603 was first presented in 1976 as a wristwatch with an integrated tide indicator. After a short period of just 4 years, production came to an end in 1980. Despite its short run, the Solunar found favour among sailors, fishermen and hunters. Today its admired by collectors for its rarity and and unique design.

The upper crown is multifunctional. When pushed in it is used to wind the watch. The first position is used to set the date and the weekday where forward rotation changes the date disc and backward rotation changes the weekday.

Of interest, a clever feature of the movement allows setting of the weekday disk in either English or French! Once you have set the day of the week in the desired language, the following day of the week is automatically displayed in this language.

For an excellent run down of how the watch is used to indicate high and low tides, we'd highly recommend a read of Calibre 11's article on the Solunar.

The example we have here was purchased from the grandson of the original owner and is presented in overall excellent condition.

Condition report

 The dial remains in exceptional condition with a gorgeous deep blue at the centre lightening slightly towards the edges. The matching lume on the hands and dial have taken on pleasing cream colour. The imposing 45mm stainless steel case remains in excellent condition as does the bezel. The ETA calibre 2790-1 movement has just received a full service and is in excellent working condition. Finally the watch is fitted with a rubber strap that perfectly matches the feel of the watch.

The Heuer Solunar - a niche tool watch that oozes vintage charm

This fine and rare example would be an amazing addition to any collection, especially for those with a love of the sea. In the past six years of selling vintage watches this is the first example we've seen in the flesh and with a production run of only four years we don't expect to see many more. This is one very special watch, don't miss out on it as you may not have another chance!

Shipping:

For orders placed before 2pm orders will be shipped the same day.

Your watch will be carefully packaged and shipped fully insured with leading global courier companies.

Delivery Prices:

Delivery within the UK is Free. Delivery within Europe is £30. Delivery for the Rest of the World is £50.

Returns:

Don't like it or change your mind? Return it for a full refund with our 14 day, no hassle returns on all sales. See the full conditions here.

The Watches

Are all watches authenticated?

All our watches pass through a double authentication process to insure their authenticity. We also provide detailed photos of the watch from all angles to allow you to undertake your own anlysis. Finally as with everything, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly team

What if something goes wrong with the watch

Whilst all our watches are fully serviced before sale, if something does go wrong, we'll repair it for free as part of our 1 year warranty

Do watches come with original box and papers?

It depends on the individual watch. You can see details under "The Basics" heading on this page. For the majority of vintage watches their original box and papers have been lost to time. Whilst they are nice to have, it’s important to note that “box and papers” DO NOT authenticate a watch despite what many in our trade say. It’s also important to realise alot of sellers (including some of the most well known in the UK) put together full sets of box, papers, hang tags etc by buying blank paperwork and boxes in the secondary market. This is a very regrettable, but unfortunately common occurrence in the trade but something we will never do!

How do I know it will fit?

For metal bracelets we provide the size it will currently fit in the description section of this page. If this measurement is too large or too small we are able to assist in either adding or removing links. We also offer this service, post service on a at-cost basis (i.e. we don't add a margin).

Can you change the strap?

Absolutely! If you don't like the current strap, let us know and we'll change it for free! We maintain a broad selection of styles and can also source straps to your specification free of charge.

Can you source something similar?

Absolutely! If its not quite what you’re looking for just get in touch and we can source one with our Free, No Obligation sourcing service. You can contact us on phone, live chat or simply submit the details of what you’re looking for on our “Find a Watch” page.

Payment

What payment options do you offer?

We accept payment by all leading credit and debit cards, ApplePay as well as bank transfer.

Do you offer financing?

Currently we don't offer financing but it’s something we're exploring.

Shipping & Returns

Can you ship an order to arrive on a certain day?

We can certainly try! We can request with our shipment partners for delivery on a certain day but ultimately the exact delivery date is subject to a number of factors outside our control.

How do I return a watch?

Simply let us know you want to send the watch back within the 14 return period and return it to us via Royal Mail Special Delivery. We’ll process your refund the same day we receive the watch back.

Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

You can find our full terms and conditions here.