The ultimate tool watch! Very desireable and seldom offered for sale is this Heuer Solunagraph made for the Orvis outdoor outfitters and sporting goods company. Heuer originated this basic design in 1950 and has made a few different models over the years with the same idea. Some were made under their own name and some were made for Abercrombie and Fitch, another outdoor outfitter before they changed their marketing strategy to teen clothing. (A lot more teens than sportsmen!) They were variously known as "Mareograph", in Europe and "Seafarer" in the USA. The basic functions, however, are the same, a three register chronograph with an additional dial to indicate phases of the moon, sun and tides. This additional dial replaces the constant seconds dial and is set by use of the added pusher at 9 o'clock. After the initial setting, the movement will accurately track the daily high and low tides. The minutes register is divided by blue bands into five minute periods for timing the start of sailing regattas. This particular model is in an "Autavia" style case.
The watch is signed on the case and movement "Heuer-Leonidas" and the original buckle is signed "Heuer"
This complicated timepiece has been completely taken down, overhauled, lubricated and adjusted so that it is nearly as good as new, both functionally and cosmetically. I have included pix of the movement and case while they were dissasembled for your information. Please note that the pic of the movement shows it in a holder. The dings you see belong to it and not the movement itself. The movement is a modified Valjoux 72 which has been redesignated "721". The crystal and band are new but the originals can be provided with the purchase as can a copy of the original instruction booklet. The snap back, stainless steel case measures 40mm, exclusive of the crown. The snap back was fitted with a new gasket and is as tight as a bank vault and requires a tremendous amount of force to open, (and close!)
The price is now reduced to $1800.00. Payment by US postal money order will assure immediate shipping. Other paper forms will require time to clear. Paypal add 3.0%. Shipping and insurance will be at actual cost to Conus only. The owner of this watch will be turning heads at the shore this summer! E-mail if additional info is needed.
