Before becoming TAG Heuer in 1985, Heuer was already a renowned name in the watchmaking world, particularly admired for its pioneering work in sports watches and chronographs. Founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in Switzerland, Heuer watches quickly established a reputation for producing precision timepieces that catered to the needs of athletes, aviators, and drivers. The brand’s passion for motorsport, in particular, became a defining characteristic throughout its history, with many of its watches designed specifically for high-performance environments.
In the 1960s, Heuer made history with the introduction of the Monaco watch, one of the most iconic models ever created by the brand. This square-cased chronograph, named after the famous Monaco Grand Prix, was worn by legendary driver Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans. Its bold, avant-garde design and association with motorsports cemented the Monaco’s place in the watchmaking industry. Similarly, the Carrera, launched in 1963, was another tribute to motorsport, offering a sleek, minimalistic chronograph inspired by the Carrera Panamericana, one of the most dangerous and exhilarating car races in history. Both the Monaco and Carrera continue to be celebrated as timeless pieces of horological excellence, admired by collectors and enthusiasts.
During the 1970s, Heuer watches expanded its offerings with the introduction of the Monza. Featuring a distinctive cushion-shaped case and chronograph functions, the Monza embodied Heuer's passion for racing and technology, appealing to both professional athletes and watch collectors. This era marked a period of innovation, with Heuer continuing to push the boundaries of watchmaking, incorporating advanced movements and designs into their pieces.
However, it wasn’t just chronographs and motorsport-inspired watches that defined Heuer's legacy. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Heuer watches responded to the growing demand for quartz dive watches with the introduction of the Heuer 1000 series. This collection quickly became one of the brand’s most beloved and collectible models, thanks to its rugged design and practicality in the water. The Heuer 1000 was available in both quartz and automatic movements, appealing to a wide range of watch lovers. Built with a stainless steel case, sometimes coated in PVD for added durability, the Heuer 1000 featured a rotating bezel, ensuring its functionality as a professional dive watch. It also offered good water resistance, making it a favorite among divers and adventure enthusiasts.
The Heuer 1000 series stood out with its aesthetic, which included a variety of vibrant dial colors such as black, blue, two-tone gold, orange, and even lume-colored dials. These bold designs not only offered excellent legibility underwater but also contributed to the model’s popularity as a stylish and reliable timepiece. As the 1980s progressed and Heuer transitioned into the TAG Heuer brand under new ownership, the Heuer 1000 series retained its place as one of the most collectible vintage dive watches on the market. The appeal of these watches remains today, especially in the vintage watch market, where they are celebrated for their robustness and timeless design.
At B&O Watches, we specialize in the Heuer 1000 series. However, occasionally, we also select and offer a range of older Heuer watch models, ensuring our collection remains diverse and includes iconic pieces like the Carrera, Monza, and Monaco.
