This first execution Big Eyes, nicknamed after the larger than average subdials and 3 and 9, is highly original in all the important places. Model reference 3641.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
This model was first launched in 1961, and ran until 1963. so circa 1962 will be pretty accurate. The second generation reference 3641 had a 45 minute chronograph counter, and than version was launched in 1965.
CONDITION
Some people may call these models pre Carrrera, which is both wrong and right. Yes, it came out before the Carrera in 1963, but the Carrera has three subdials, so we will stick to the Big Eyes moniker that most collectors know. We carefully compared this watch against the best original watches we could find, and it passes all the tests. The dial, complete with some patina, is original and you can see tiny details such as the triangular lume pips, which on our watch have darkened with age. The crown isn’t signed, but neither are they on the other watches either. It may, or may not. be a replacement. The wide dauphine hands are absolutely correct, and the chronograph seconds hand has the distinctive and correct counterweight the best original watches has. The movement is signed on the correct bridge, with the correct wording and font.
The movement Heuer used was a Valjoux 92, a manually wound 17 jewel column wheel chronograph that was used by several big brands at the time. The three subdial version, Valjoux 72, is better known as it was not only in the Carrera, but also used as the base movement in the Rolex Daytona and Patek Philippe 2499, so we can all agree it has pedigree. It is all working well. The chromed case is better than most, but no perfect. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour or material if preferred. The watch is signed on the dial, case and movement.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 38.3 mm
Width without crown 35.0 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 42.8 mm
Case Thickness 12.1 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
