Heuer Carrera Ref. 110.573 F | Cal. 12 Automatic | Gradient Brown Dial | Circa 1970

Description

This Heuer Carrera Ref. 110.573 F comes from the moment when the Carrera grew bolder without losing its soul. Still unmistakably a Carrera, but now powered by an automatic movement and housed in a more muscular case, it reflects Heuer’s confident step into the 1970s.

The gradient brown dial is the immediate hook. Dark at the edges, lighter toward the center, it adds depth and drama while remaining perfectly legible. Applied baton hour markers with luminous tips, crisp white 1/5th-second divisions, and a raised outer tachymeter ring create a layered, purposeful look. The orange chronograph hands inject just enough color to remind you this watch was built for timing, not decoration.

The twin sub-dials at 3 and 9 track 30 minutes and 12 hours, while the date aperture at 6 keeps the layout balanced. Everything feels intentional. Nothing feels crowded.

The stainless steel tonneau case measures 38 mm and wears beautifully thanks to its compact 41 mm lug-to-lug span. At roughly 14 mm thick, it has real presence, but never tips into clumsy territory. Brushed and polished surfaces, paired with a screw-down caseback, underline its tool-watch roots.

Inside beats the Calibre 12, Heuer’s 17-jewel automatic chronograph movement developed during the race to create the world’s first automatic chronograph. It’s historically important, mechanically engaging, and inseparable from Heuer’s golden era.

Specifications

• Brand: Heuer
• Model: Carrera
• Reference: 110.573 F
• Year: Circa 1970
• Movement: Automatic chronograph, Calibre 12, 17 jewels
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Shape: Tonneau / cushion
• Case Diameter: 38 mm (excluding crown)
• Lug-to-Lug: Approx. 41 mm
• Thickness: Approx. 14 mm
• Caseback: Screw-down
• Dial: Gradient brown
• Hour Markers: Applied batons with luminous tips
• Hands: Orange baton chronograph hands with luminous inserts
• Chronograph Layout: 30-minute counter at 3, 12-hour counter at 9
• Date: At 6 o’clock
• Bezel/Tachymeter: Raised outer tachymetre ring
• Crystal: Acrylic
• Bracelet: Stainless steel
• Clasp: Stainless steel buckle
• Signatures: Case, dial, and movement signed
• Water Resistance: Not guaranteed due to age

Condition Report

• Dial: Original gradient brown dial with strong color transition and clean printing. Lume plots and hands show even aging.
• Case: Stainless steel case in strong vintage condition with honest wear. Brushing and polishing remain well balanced.
• Caseback: Screw-down back intact and correctly signed.
• Crystal: Acrylic crystal with light surface marks visible under strong light.
• Movement: Calibre 12 automatic chronograph running smoothly with all functions operating correctly.
• Bracelet and Clasp: Steel bracelet and buckle in good wearable condition.

Historical Significance

The Ref. 110.573 F represents Heuer at a turning point. The introduction of the Calibre 12 marked Heuer’s entry into automatic chronograph territory, reshaping the Carrera from a minimalist racing watch into a more robust, everyday performance instrument. Brown gradient dials from this era are especially sought after for their warmth and unmistakable 1970s character. For collectors, this reference offers a perfect mix of motorsport heritage, mechanical importance, and bold period design.