Heuer Carrera Dato 12 3147N, 1st Execution

This gorgeous Heuer Carrera Dato 12 3147N, 1st Execution is a collectable variant of Heuer’s renowned double-pusher manual-winding chronograph. Best of all, this rare Heuer 3147N Carrera brings added cachet with its mystique-laden FAB. SUISSE dial text. In that detail alone you have the basis for engaging storytelling with every proud presentation of your latest vintage Heuer.

Examples like this are becoming rarer by the day

Whether you’re a dyed in the wool Heuer collector or simply in the market for a rare Swiss 1960s chronograph with investment potential, this watch could be for you. We’re confident that it won’t be in our hands for long. As ever with the nicest Carreras, prompt action is essential.

This has been the star piece for us in the office of late, we love its signature first execution 45-minute register at ‘3’ and running second hand at ‘9’; its association with the 1950s Carrera Panamericana motor race, and the unmistakable inner lug bevels that have shouted ‘Carrera’ to the world since 1963.

So contact us today and put this piece of La Chaux-de-Fonds watchmaking history in your collection. And of course, on your wrist, for this is a watch that’s meant to be worn, not locked away.

Collectable Fab. Suisse dial annotation

A quick note on the prominent ‘Fab Suisse’ annotation: it’s the stuff of collecting dreams, a built-in ‘customs label’ that Gallic authorities demanded of Swiss watches imported into France in the 1950s and 1960s. Such were their demands that the mark reportedly had to be as close as practicably possible to the maker’s name. In this case, though intriguingly close to the standard ‘Swiss’ labelling, the FAB. SUISSE text provides pleasing textual balance to CARRERA, Heuer and the 3147N’s distinctive 12 o’clock date window with its distinctive red-on-white numerals.

Technical & Condition

Condition: We’ve assessed the dial of this two-register Heuer Carrera chronograph as excellent – note particularly the rare Fab Suisse dial; the hands are rated excellent (hour and minute hands previously re-lumed); the case is good overall with a few age-related scratches and marks consistent with a vintage 1960s timepiece.

Crystal: Plexiglass; assessed as good with to-be-expected age-consistent scratches.

Year: Mid-1960s

Case size (exc. Crown): 35 mm; 18mm lug width

Case material: Stainless steel

Movement: Recently serviced manual-wind Landeron 189

Strap/bracelet: New Hirsch leather strap

Box and papers: Ours