Here we have a very good example of a mid 1970s Heuer Montreal ref 110.503NC, known as the ‘Stefan Bellof’. The model was introduced in 1972. It stands out due to its case design, which is very much of its era with its large helmet design and sunburst finish to the bezel. The layout is also interesting due to the placement of the Chronograph pushers on the right-hand side, with the crown located on the left. Inside is the Heuer calibre 12 which is a micro-rotor automatic, cam switching chronograph, which has been recently serviced.
The Heuer Montreal is nicknamed the ‘Stefan Bellof’. He was one talented racing drivers of the lates 70s into early 1980s and he wore this model of Heuer Montreal.
Bellof had many race wins, including the fastest lap on the Nordschleife configuration at the Nürburgring, in a Porche 956 in 1983. He was widely touted to be the best driver of his time, but sadly on the 1st September 1985 he lost his life at the Spa racing circuit in Belgium.
The dial has the classic bi-compax layout with two sub-sidiary dials. The 30 minute counter is at 3 O’clock and the 12 hour recorder is at 9 O’clock. The date window is set at 6 o’clock.
Around the exterior of the dial is a pulsation scale and the Tachymeter scale. This combination means the watch could be useful for medical purposes, measuring a pulse, or measures speeds and distance in motorsport. The tones are enjoyable with the black base providing the perfect base for the white signing to contrast clearly. The red scale for the pulsation is eyecatching with the deep red tone.
It comes on a period leather racing style strap, with the stainless Heuer logo buckle.
It is equipped with the famous Caliber 12 movement. Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton-Buren and Dubois-Depraz combined to introduce the calibre 11, which was one of the first automatic chronograph movements in 1969. Heuer one upped this, with an improved higher beat calibre 12 movement in 1971.
In a world of Carreras, Autavias and Monacos, the Montreal is another chronograph icon which is due its flowers.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
Dial:
The dial is in very good original condition. It has no obvious signs of wear or ageing. The matte finish is good and even. The lume is original and maintains the original tone, having not darkened significantly with age.
Hands:
The hands are original, with original lume in-fill. The lume in-fill is original and has not darkened significantly with age.
Glass:
The crystal is original. It has one light mark to the left of the Heuer logo.
Pushers:
The pushers are original, in very good condition.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in very good condition.
Case:
The case is original and is in very good condition with the bright sunburst finish to the bezel and polished sides. It has some light nicks to the polished dial surround.
Caseback:
The case back is stainless steel and is in good condition with polished exterior and a brushed finish to the face. Only light scratching to the face. No deep marks from poor opening.
Strap:
The watch comes on a vintage leather racing style strap which is in good condition. It will fit any wrist size.
Movement:
The movement is an Heuer calibre 12. It is a shock protected, automatic micro rotor chronograph calibre. It has a jewel count of 17 and a 42-hour power reserve. It displays the hours, minutes, central second, 30 minute counter and 12 hour counter. It operates at 21,600 BPH. It is a cam switching chronograph.
The movement has been recently serviced It’s keeping time to within +15 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 300 degrees and a beat error of 0.1m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 42.5mm
Case width with crown: 43.5mm
Case length: 47.8mm
Case Depth: 14mm
Lug width: 20mm