There was something of a spate of them a few years back, probably indeed just before you came along. Both 2 and 3 register versions, which helped show that they weren't all the same watch. Slight concern a lot seem to have what must be the "wrong" hands, but again at least that helps distinguish between different watches. I'll comb through a couple of OTD searches later, see if that throws up some more.

Heuer typically batch by movement too, so it will be interesting to see if we can find out how the Vj 7736-powered ones' serials relate to the 7740/1s. I would expect them to be very close, but you never know at this period with Heuer. And, unless I'm going completely mad (possible!), I think I have seen one with an "Automatic Chronograph" marked dial for a Cal 12 as well.

Let's do some digging, see what we can find.