Heuer USS Whale Carrera Reference 2447S Eggshell Dial

We are thrilled to offer this “Whale” of a Heuer Carrera Reference 2447S with significant military provenance. Acquired from Ambassador Linton Forrestal Brooks (U.S. Navy Retired), the caseback is engraved “U.S. Naval Submarine School / LT. L.F. Brooks / USN / June 17, 1966 / SPEAR FOUNDATION PRIZE.”

Until I knew its history, this was a watch I wouldn’t think existed – an early “eggshell” white dial in a later series case with a 91,8xx serial number. Brooks received this remarkable watch in 1966 as a prize for graduating first in his submarine school class at the U.S. Naval War College. This annual watch prize tradition started in 1938 and continues to this day. L.Y. Spear, President of the Electric Boat Company (which became General Dynamics), started the Spear Foundation in 1942 with an endowment to fund the watch prize.

The Spear Foundation allowed the shipmate to pick out his own watch from Mallove’s Jewelers in Groton, Connecticut. Brooks wisely selected a Carrera chronograph, but there was a catch. Navy regulations restricted external radioactive sources aboard nuclear-powered boats, so as to ensure accurate monitoring of radiation levels from propulsion systems. This watch had its tritium luminous material removed from dial and hands. An early dial was evidently selected for this purpose. This was possibly done on special order from Heuer, or by the retailer at the time of original sale.

Brooks served a distinguished Navy career, including as Commander of the Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Whale (SSN-638) from 1975 to 1978, retiring with the rank of Captain. As a civilian, Brooks held important Senate-confirmed positions in government. He was appointed Ambassador to lead negotiation of two strategic arms reduction treaties between the U.S. and Russia, and served as U.S. Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, responsible for managing the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

The watch is powered by the Valjoux calibre 72. The case is lightly polished but very strong. The dial and hands had the original tritium luminous material removed. The signed crown is original. The watch is fitted on a black leather rally strap from Abel Court with a rare signed vintage “Sun” buckle. The watch does not come with box and papers.

The watch will be accompanied by military ephemera personally owned by Ambassador Brooks – a framed photograph of USS Whale (SSN-638) during her sea trials, a heavy bronze insignia removed from the Whale and mounted on a wood plaque for presentation to Brooks, and selected books from Brooks’ library bearing personal inscriptions and his writings regarding the subject of submarine warfare.

The watch was just serviced and it is running great.

SOLD ( Item SBUXYT1748)