Heuer 1939 reference 2406 Chronograph

While Heuer is widely recognized for its models from the 1960s and 1970s such as the Autavia, Carrera, and Monaco, some of the earlier models from the 1940s and 1950s are actually my favorites and in my view remain relative under-appreciated in the world of vintage watches. The case remains unpolished and I believe the crown and pushers are original to the watch. This design likely dates to circa 1939 and was a very early approach by Heuer to making a chronograph water-resistant.

This watch, confirmed by the engraving on the back, came from Lyle Graeme Trorey of Vancouver, British Columbia and he purchased it in 1940. During World War II, Dr. Trorey formed and commanded the Air Survey Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, carrying out classified projects for the Canadian Army Overseas in the European Theater. It is likely he wore this watch during his service.

Dr. Trorey was named a Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.) and has a B.Sc. (Lond.), Ph.D. (Lond.), M.E.I.C., A.R.P.S., P.Eng., and was a Member of the Canadian Institute of Forestry and Member of the American Society Photogrammetry. He wrote a book called the Handbook of Aerial Mapping and Photogrammetry published the University Press of Cambridge in England. A second edition copy of this book that was previously “Property of the U.S. Navy” and part of the Naval Air Station Lemoore (California) library will accompany the watch. Overall, it is extremely difficult to find a watch like this today, let alone with this provenance.

This watch dates to circa 1939, has a manual-wind movement (Caliber 13 made by Landeron), is 35mm in diameter, and was recently serviced.

SOLD