ChronoScope Collector Watches presents an iconic Heuer Montreal ref. 110.503N chronograph from the 1970s.

The Montreal was launched in 1972, during a period where Heuer began to significantly expand its range of watches to the North American market.

Montreal hosted the Olympic Games in 1976, also Formula One racing has also occurred in Montreal, every year since 1978.

The Heuer Montreal lineup won over consumers with a totally new, modern and bold design. This model series remained in the portfolio until the end of the 1970’s and emphasized its role as a design innovation.

There were “economy” versions of the existing automatic Chronograph, ranging from the Monaco, Carrera and Autavia which run the Calibre 15 movement, while new series were launched to try to increase sales, such as the Calculator and Montreal, which run the Calibre 12.

We love vintage Heuers because they epitomize the essence of vintage racing chronographs, and the Montreal is one of the coolest and is a relatively obscure model that is little known outside of collector circles.

Please read the condition report carefully and refer to the high resolution pictures to help you assess the overall condition of the watch.

MODEL / REFERENCE: Heuer Montreal ref. 110.503N.

DIAL+HANDS: The dial is immaculately preserved and still retains strong colors throughout its matte black layout with aged white subdials. Despite the mass of color, the reverse Panda scheme still manages a cool balance that we love, following a traditional bi-compax display and a date window positioned at 6 o’clock. With a chronograph minutes register at 3 o’clock with orange stripes, and an hours totalizer at 9 o’clock. There is no constant running seconds register on the watch, so if the chronograph is not running, there is no motion on the dial.

The rehaut combines both a Tachymeter and Pulsometer scales. They’re legible and in very good condition along with the white chapter ring.

The printing is still perfectly preserved and the applied baton indexes are dissected with intact Tritium stripes that have aged beautifully, developing a warm patina. There’s a missing Tritium Dot at the 3 o’clock position.

The original hour and minute hands are in mint condition and have a beautiful red contour and Tritium inlays. The central seconds hand is red too, contrasting beautifully with the black dial hence the ease of legibility. The lume has developed a matching patina to the hour indexes and, when activated under UV light, the Tritium glows then fades off.

CRYSTAL: The watch has been fitted with a brand new plexiglass crystal.

MOVEMENT: This chronograph is powered by the famous Heuer 12 Chronomatic movement, a joint development effort between Hamilton-Buren, Breitling and Heuer with a Dubois-Depraz 8510 module on Buren 1281 base.  This cam switched cal. 12 is the first micro rotor chronograph movement ever produced. This movement has a bi-compax display, with a 30-minute register at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour totalizer at 9 o’clock. The date is indicated at 6 o’clock and can be semi-quickset by changing time from 21h to midnight.  The movement has been serviced and runs flawlessly. The chronograph starts, stops and resets perfectly.

CASE: The stainless steel case is what makes the Montreal stand out. With a lug to lug measurement of 48mm and a massive 42mm diameter. The case is a similar shape and finish to other watches of the era, such as the popular Mark II Speedmaster. Simply put, the design screams the 1970s vibe.

Add to that, the unpolished case retains its original finish, which is a combination of a star-burst, brushed stainless steel top part of the case and polished surfaces along the side of the case. The polished ring around the outside of the crystal adds a striking contrast with the brushed steel surfaces.

The case is in overall very good condition. We can closely see some minor hairline scratches throughout. However, a minor nick can be seen between 5 and 6 o’clock. Please refer to the photos for more details.

CASEBACK: The 6 notches stainless-steel caseback screws in tightly. It is in excellent condition and is retains its original brushed finish with an outer polished sloped rim. Some minor surface scratches can be seen at the center. The inside is signed with the “ Heuer-Leonidas SA” stamp.

CROWN + PUSHERS: As a signature feature of the movement, the Heuer signed crown is situated on the left side of the watch and operates as intended. The fluted pump chronograph pushers are correct to this reference and can be found on the right side. They operate the chronograph functions crisply.

BRACELET: Another highlight of this watch is the original “Peaked” link bracelet in full length. These 20mm bracelets are very rare and sought after.  Just like the case, the bracelet is in an amazing condition and still retains its satin finish with minimal stretch and very light scratches throughout. The folding clasp is signed with the Heuer logo.

ACCESSORIES: ChronoScope Saffiano Leather watch roll.

The Calibre 12 Montreal was in the Heuer catalogue for only four years before it was replaced by a second-series Montreal, which lost much of the originality of the first series and swapped out Heuer’s own movement for the latest movement from Valjoux. Thus, the Cal. 12 range remains scarce and the demand for these beloved Montreal watches is understandably high.

Time-capsule condition in watches is always something charming and intriguing, this specimen is no exception.

WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch. We also provide 12 months guarantee for the correct function of this timepiece. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and conditions of ChronoScope Collector Watches, Switzerland.

The price is 4,950 CHF (Swiss Franc) or best reasonable offer plus shipping at actual cost. Low ball offers will be politely ignored.
Watch and I are in Switzerland.
Feel free to ask questions, I will be glad to answer.

Please feel free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer. Virtual or face-to-face viewing is available by appointment.

ChronoScope Collector Watches, Luzern, Switzerland.