Why This Watch Matters

Heuer and Gay Frères, name a better duo. We'll wait.

The Full Story

The Carrera ref. 1153 was part of the trio of automatic chronographs Heuer debuted in 1969 that housed the new caliber 11, one of the world's first automatic chronograph movements. The other watches included the Autavia ref. 1163 and the Monaco ref. 1133. Heuer was part of a coalition of brands – including Breitling, Dubois-Dépraz, and Hamilton-Buren – that helped bring one of the earliest automatic chronographs to market. Unlike the Monaco, which was a completely new watch for Heuer when it was introduced in 1969, the Carrera ref. 1153 was intended to be an evolution of the original Carrera, introduced in 1963.

The Carrera ref. 1153 retained the inner tension ring characteristic of the Carrera line that could display additional information, like the seconds track on the ref. 2447. Instead, the ref. 1153 used this inner ring to display a tachymeter track (and, in rare instances, other types of scales), with the seconds track on the edge of the dial itself. The new C-shaped case profile would give the Carrera a more modern 1970s feel, and now with an automatic movement, Heuer moved the crown to the other side of case, making it instantly recognizable as a self-winding watch with caliber 11. 

The example we have here features a beautiful blue dial, a strong case, a correct Gay Frères "beads-of-rice" style bracelet, and the upgraded caliber 12 movement. Heuer had a few issues with the caliber 11 when it was first released, which they subsequently improved with the updated caliber 11-I, and then to the caliber 12. To read more on the differences between the Caliber 11, 11-I, and 12, take a look .

*Mick Jagger is presumed to have worn a second-execution Heuer Carrera ref. 1153N; learn more . 

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Self-winding chronograph movement
- Gorgeous blue dial
- Gay Frères made bracelet

Things To Know:

- Scratches on case

This Carrera is in overall nice, honest condition. The case shows signs of a previous polish and has some scratches. The finish is still visible on the top of the case. The rear of the lugs show some marks from bracelet removal. The numbers between both sets of lugs are slightly damaged from the bracelet rubbing over the years yet remain readable with a loupe.

The dial and hands are in good condition with some patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina and has aged to an attractive off-white color. The lume in the hands has developed patina that is similar to that of the dial. The hands themselves have developed some patina.

The bracelet is in good condition with some scratches and some stretch. The dial, crown, case, movement, and bracelet are all signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.