Heuer

• Valjoux cal. 721 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • silvered dial, painted Arabic numerals, gold Dauphine hands, blued steel chronograph hand, engine turned subsidiary dials for 30 minute, and 12 hour registers, tide indicator, outer minute divisions • stainless steel case, chronograph pushers, tide indication pusher, solid screw down case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with a stainless steel Heuer buckle

CASE Case in overall good condition with scuffing and wear consistent with age and use. Light wear throughout. Wear and softening to the tops of the lugs. A small indentation to the band at 6. Buckle with equivalent wear and scuffing. Crystal glazing with some scuffs and scratches. DIAL Dial with oxidation throughout, with darker areas at the perimeter and around the Heuer logo. A round area near 1 o'clock is lighter in color. Dial overall with surface markings. Light signs of fading to the logo, and other indexes. A scratch to the 1 or 12. MOVEMENT Movement is operating but may require service at the purchaser's discretion. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Heuer began production of its “tide indication” chronographs, which they called Mareographs, in the early 1950s.  This present lot is an excellent example of the second series reference 2443.  The firm also began using the Valjoux 72 movement with the ref. 2443, allowing for a smaller and thinner case.  The second series ref. 2443 also has a higher and smaller hour recorder, allowing for the addition of numerals 5 and 7 to the chapter ring around the dial. More commonly known as the “Seafarer,” the Mareograph especially appealed to outdoors-men and adventurers due to the register displaying tide indications on the dial.  This complication is based on John Alden Knight's "solunar theory," which suggests that fisherman, huntsmen and sailors could determine the best dates and times to hunt and fish based on tide patterns.