What a Heuer! You’d be hard-pressed to find something more rich in heritage than this watch I believe to be from the 1940’s. Imagine what this little timepiece has seen in its life.

It’s compact, it feels so beautifully retro and current at the same time. The details are intoxicating: the way the central seconds bottom grazes the Heuer logo. The blue hands still glint in the light. The dial has an excellent creamy shine and slight sparkle, while the subdials catch light in a beautiful way. It’s harmonious and contrasting at the same time. The winding mechanism feels buttery and satisfying the way it clicks. It’s hard to explain.

This is - by far - my favorite watch I’ve ever handled, and I hate to let it go. It’s really, really special in a way that goes beyond words.

Read below for About Me. I'm new here, have never sold any of my watches, and I get that may be a concern. I'm an open book - if you're seriously interested, I'd be glad to get on the phone.

Model: Heuer “Big Eyes.” I believe this to be a Ref. 5408 from the 1940’s, with a Valjoux 69 movement. I’ve done a lot of research to verify this (can share links in DM), but as any collectors may know this is an inexact science for Heuers from this era.

Key differences from other Ref. 5408’s I’ve seen is that the case size is 32mm, and the pushers are almond-shaped rather than the circular plungers. The size feels elegant on my 6.75” wrists.

Condition: Very good for age. Photos are high-res, and the blemishes show much less to naked eye.

The watch runs, and chronograph functions all work (start, stop, and reset). Reset pusher seems slightly harder to depress, but still functional.

Number indices show some kind of haloing around them. Slight mark on the second sub-dial between 8 and 9, and another slight mark on the seconds subdial itself. Hour hand is appropriate for the model, but appears to be in a different condition than minute and second hands including some rust.

Case has typical swirlies for age. The plating on the upper pusher has worn off. The photos show some kind of material around the crystal. This is much harder to see to the naked eye, and appears to be just a buildup that can be cleaned rather than pitting on the case itself. There is slight pitting on the caseback, and slight signs of wear on the left side of the case. Case edges are crisp. I do not see signs of polishing.

Crystal has usual swirlies and scratches - but nothing deep gouging.

Case back is beautifully machined, signed Heuer as well as the bridge in that absolutely stunning Valjoux movement. Check out the photos!

Includes: Generic strap.

Price: $4,999 $4,499, $4,099 will consider offers but not inclined to take lower right now. Includes FedEx Express overnight shipping to USA. Payment accepted is bank wire, Zelle, PayPal G&S with references (fees covered by buyer).

Pictures:

About Me: I got bit by the collection bug about a decade ago. The passion waned, the watches went into (well-protected, indoor) storage. It's just time to sell them all.

I know it's hard to buy online, harder still when the Seller has no trust built up in the community. If this watch makes your heart beat faster, message me! I'm sure we can find a way to address your concerns with the right dialogue. I'll respond promptly, and I'm willing to get on the phone or a FaceTime with the watch and my smiling face.