Esteemed brand TAG Heuer embodies the rich and innovative spirit of Swiss watchmaking and has played a prominent role in the long history between motorsports and luxury watches.
TAG Heuer’s beginnings were humble. The company was initially called Heuer Watchmaking Inc. and originated in the small town of St-Imier in Switzerland, where Edouard Heuer began making silver pocket watches on his family farm in 1860. Heuer registered his first patent as Edouard Heuer & Compagnie in 1869 for the oscillating pinion, a keyless winding mechanism that revolutionized the chronograph and became the standard for all modern watches.
Heuer’s interest in sports led to further innovations in watchmaking, as the company produced pocket chronographs for the crowds that gathered at horse races and greyhound races during the 1880s. The watchmaker made timepieces for the medical profession and precision chronographs for the dashboards of airplanes and motor vehicles in the years that followed. It supplied stopwatches to the Olympics during the early 20th century, not long after Edouard’s son, Charles-Auguste Heuer was installed as head of the company. Its chronograph technology eventually migrated to wrists.
Motor racing and luxury watches have long been intertwined — Rolex, for example, was named the official timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway in 1962, and its Daytona would appear soon afterward. Heuer’s lofty position in the sport was cemented by then — racers widely preferred Heuer chronographs, and the first iteration of the popular Heuer Autavia was a dashboard timer. The brand’s recognition continued to grow in the 1960s — the first Swiss timepiece to travel into space was the Heuer strapped to astronaut John Glenn during his historic 1962 orbit around the Earth, and the company’s association with Formula 1 also took shape during the decade.
In 1969 — the year that Heuer, Breitling and Hamilton collectively debuted their revolutionary automatic chronographs at Basel Watch Fair — Porsche driver Jo Siffert became Heuer’s official brand ambassador — the first personal sponsorship in F1 history that was non-automotive.
The Heuer Autavia chronograph reference 1163T, also known as the “Siffert” in Formula 1 circles, reached legendary status among racing fans, along with the Monaco and Heuer Carrera chronographs. The latter was designed by Edouard’s great-grandson Jack Heuer, while the now-internationally renowned square-shaped Monaco earned the spotlight when Steve McQueen wore one in the 1970s movie Le Mans. The model was later lovingly dubbed the “McQueen Monaco.”
TAG is an acronym for "Techniques d'Avant Garde" — it comes from the name of the TAG Group, a private holding company based in Luxembourg that acquired the watchmaker in 1985. TAG Heuer continues to produce high-quality luxury watches that use innovative materials, such as titanium, carbon fiber and lab-grown diamonds, underlining the brand’s commitment to sustainability. After four generations of Heuer family leadership, the company now operates under LVMH.
TAG Heuer continues to embrace the new, offering a range of smartwatches, such as its Connected model, that merge traditional craftsmanship with modern features like fitness tracking and smartphone notifications. In 2023, the TAG Heuer Carrera was named the “hottest watch” of the year by GQ magazine.
Find Heuer wristwatches on 1stDibs.
Heuer 844 Mark 1 – 42mm – G. Monnin Case – Automatic – 1979 watch
By Heuer
Located in London, GB
Heuer 844 Mark 1 – 42mm – G. Monnin Case – Automatic – 1979 This is not just any vintage diver — it is the Heuer 844 Mark 1, the very first dedicated dive watch produced by Heuer and...
Carl F Bucherer 1340 Lemania Chronograph
Located in London, GB
Yet another vintage gem that we have managed to find. We are delighted to be able to offer this Carl F Bucherer 1340 Lemania Chronograph wristwatch...
Steel
Omega Speedmaster 4.5 – Reference 1760015 – Automatic Chronograph (1975)
By Omega
Located in London, GB
A classic and increasingly collectable Omega Speedmaster “4.5”, this reference 1760015 is dated to 1975 by the serial number and has just been fully serviced in‑house in March 2026. ...
Stainless Steel
Chronographe Suisse Incabloc – 1950s – Manual Wind –Chronograph
Located in London, GB
Chronographe Suisse Incabloc – 1950s – Manual Wind – Waterproof Chronograph – Landeron 248 This Chronographe Suisse Incabloc is a genuinely rare and special find. Dating to the 1950s by serial number, it represents one of the earlier attempts at producing a waterproof chronograph, achieved through a patented case construction designed to protect the movement from moisture — an impressive technical feature for the era. At approximately 35mm, the case size is notably generous compared to many chronographs of its time, giving it excellent presence on the wrist while remaining true to mid‑century proportions. Key Details • Model: Chronographe Suisse Incabloc • Era: 1950s • Case Size: Approx. 35mm • Case Material: Stainless steel • Dial: Black gilt gloss • Hour Markers: Painted Arabic numerals • Hands: Matching gilt/painted hands • Crystal: Acrylic • Caseback: Signed • Movement: Landeron 248 manual wind chronograph with Incabloc shock protection • Strap: Generic leather strap • Water Resistance: Historically waterproof by design; not guaranteed today due to age Condition Report Case: Very good vintage condition with honest wear consistent with age. Dial: Excellent gilt gloss dial with strong colour, clear print and attractive patina. Hands: Original and well matched to the dial. Crystal: Clear acrylic with light age‑appropriate wear. Movement: Clean and operating correctly. Overall: A very strong and well‑preserved example of a rare 1950s chronograph...
Steel
Breitling Top Time Ref. 2006 Silver Dial 37mm Square Case 1967
By Breitling
Located in London, GB
The Breitling Top Time Ref. 2006, dating from circa 1967, represents the bold design shift that defined the late 1960s. This rare reference features a distinctive 37mm square stainle...
Breitling Top Time 2002‑33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind – 1969
By Breitling
Located in London, GB
Breitling Top Time 2002‑33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind – 1969 Just arrived back in stock on 28 April, this outstanding Breitling Top Time reference 2002‑33 has undergone a comp...
Tag Heuer Stainless Steel Autavia Chronograph Manual Watch
By TAG Heuer
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Heuer Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Autavia Series Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 47mm X Diameter...
Heuer Stainless Steel Waterproof Three Register Chronograph Manual Watch
By Heuer
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Heuer Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Three Register Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 43mm X Diameter 37mm CIRCA: 1950's MOVEMENT /...
Stainless Steel
Heuer Bundeswehr Steel and Gun Metal Chronograph with Original Dial and Bezel
By Heuer
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Heuer Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bundeswehr / Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Steel / Gun Metal CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 57mm x Diameter 44mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Valjoux Caliber 230 DIAL / HANDS: Original Black with Luminous Numerals and Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is the finest and most original example of this watch we have ever seen. The watch runs well and is dependable. The Heuer Bundeswehr...
Heuer Stainless Steel Chronograph with Original Dial circa 1990's
By Heuer
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Heuer Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 3 Reg. Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1990's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm x Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 18 Jewels / Caliber 1873 DIAL / HANDS: Original Two Tone ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking Heuer Chronograph...
Heuer Stainless Steel Original Dial Triple Date Chronograph Wristwatch
By Heuer
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Heuer Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diameter 36mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALI...
Clebar Stainless Steel Two Register Chronograph with Original Dial from 1960's
By Clebar
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Clebar Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 45mm X Diameter 37mm MOVEMENT /...
