I mentioned in the earlier Lanvin piece that I had purchased a second watch. Well, it was this one. I was drawn to it as it demonstrated an attractive simplicity – especially for a smallish-cased GMT. It had a good service record and came with all accompaniments. I also felt that the price was attractive – especially as it came down a little more due to my dual purchase.
I won’t really bother to go into the history of Heuer, but to say that from the 50’s-80’s they were arguably the leading sporting timing watch company. The founder Jack Heuer had bowed out when TAG bought the company in 1985. In 1999, French luxury giant LMVH bought the whole concern. It is in fact an important date, as the new management wasted no time in re-vamping various ranges, with the Classics Collection first appearing a year later. This was initially with two Carrera watches – the 3 handed silver dial WV2112, and the GMT covered here – WS2113. Later editions appeared – mainly of the chronograph variety.
Before proceeding, I just make the point that the “1964” and “re-edition” in the title are both a little misleading. There was in fact no Carrera GMT in 1964! I think that these simply refer to the launch of the Carrera 3648 chronograph in that year, plus, a general homage to the smaller case design/size and dial style around at that time.
So, here we have a rather typical case design in s/s of the 50’s/60’s. The size, at 35mm x 10.5mm, is also of that era. Underneath is, as expected, a solid case back which is screwed in. The dial is jet black, with an outer rehaut with a track. We then have an Arabic 24 hour indication in white with the odd numbers just dots. Next is a minute track with lumed pips on the even numbers. Inboard of this are the Arabic 12 hour numbers in polished steel – again missing the odd numbers – these being substituted with metal and white batons. We then come to the hands – with the main ones being sword shaped with lume inserts. A needle second hand is present. Finally a slim GMT hand with a red arrow tip with lume insert. At three there is a date window with white Arabic numbers on a black background. In terms of script, under 12 is “Heuer” in it’s traditional shaped cartouche. Above six is just “GMT”, and underneath “Automatic”, all curving to match the dial/case. A domed Plexiglass crystal protects all this.
Regarding motive power, this is via an ETA 2893-2 automatic movement – also capable of being manually wound. This has 21 jewels and beats at 28,000 vph. A bi-directional rotor can power the watch up to a run time of around 42 hours. This movement, with a modular GMT add-on, appeared in around 2000 and is still in use with some brands. It can be supplied at chronometer quality – but not in this case. After probing the internet, some people have taken the trouble to test their watches and report great accuracy, at say, some +2 seconds a day, thereby exceeding the chronometer standard.
Waterproofing of the watch is not noted on the watch for some reason, but a few reports on the internet from owners claim 30m. All time/date functions are via the sensibly sized and shaped crown – the cap showing the Heuer emblem.
To finish, the watch sports a black leather strap with small perforation holes. A s/s buckle with the traditional Heuer badge locks it all together.
I have been wearing the watch for over a week off and on, and I must say it is a super watch and I truly would not alter a thing – something I don’t say often! It has an older look and size, but is eminently wearable today. The dial is very clear and all adjustment functions are easy to use. The watch is overall in very good condition, and the paperwork I have indicates fairly regular servicing, and therefore the watch runs very accurately. The crystal was also recently replaced – at some £250 no less – a real bonus. I have the original guarantee card (from 2002), three service cards, the leather zipped “travel” box, plus outer cardboard box and sleeve.
Internet prices seem to range from £1,200 – £1,600. – depending of course on condition, accompaniments – and the seller’s expectations!! As such, I feel that the watch represents very good value. In providing a degree of transparency, I paid towards the lower figure.
Rating: 5/5!
Words & Images: The Writer.