The largest independent, non-commercial, consumer-oriented resource on the Internet for owners, collectors and enthusiasts of fine wristwatches. Online since 1998.
Informational Websites ChronoMaddox -- the legacy of Chuck Maddox OnTheDash -- vintage Heuer website Zowie -- Omega information
Discussion Forums ChronoMaddox Forum Heuer Forum Omega Forum
Counterfeit Watchers ChronoTools Forum ChronoTrader Forum
Vintage Heuer Discussion Forum
The place for discussing 1930-1985 Heuer wristwatches, chronographs and dash-mounted timepieces. Online since May 2003.
OnTheDash Home What's New! Price Guide Chronographs Dash Mounted Collection
Zenith First to Announce, and Heuer First to . . .
In Response To: Re: First Automatic Chronograph ANNOUNCEMENT. ()

Yes, we seem to have been through this discussion many times:

  • Zenith was the first to announce or show an automatic chronograph, in January 1969
  • Seiko was the first to offer an automatic chronograph for sale, in Spring 1969, but this chronograph was sold only in Japan
  • Heuer and Breitling were the first to offer an automatic chronograph for sale, in major markets around the world, during the Summer 1969.
Of course, in January 1969, Heuer-Breitling already had many prototypes, but it was Zenith that made the decision to show these prototypes to the world.

So which was first? As Mark points out, the answer depends on exactly how you phrase the question. But one thing is clear -- for most of our readers, in Italy, Germany, the UK or the US, if you walked into a store every day, starting in January 1969, and wanted to buy an automatic chronograph, the first one available would have been a Heuer or Breitling.

All this is discussed here -- http://www.onthedash.com/docs/Project99.html

Jeff

++++++++++++++++++++++++

: Jurgen,
: sorry us, we are italians.... slow in all.
: You, so fast in answer, have read all pages from Nicola ?

: Take care darling, it's Christmas time in all the world

: GIGI

Current Position
Chronocentric and zOwie site design and contents (c) Copyright 1998-2005, Derek Ziglar; Copyright 2005-2008, Jeffrey M. Stein. All rights reserved. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the terms of use. CONTACT | TERMS OF USE | TRANSLATE