1930's Tag Heuer Chronograph

When it comes to , there is the legendary if not slightly over-hyped Daytona (aka the 29mmTag Heuer.jpgwatch the nobody can get but everybody has), and then there are the pre-daytona chronographs from the 1950's (see one posted here). What we have today is something from an entirely new category, we're calling it the pre-pre-Daytona chronograph. This very small (29mm) stainless steel chronograph is pushing 70+ years old and is unlike any we've ever seen. This particular piece has a 17 jewel movement that is signed by Tag Heuer and functioning perfectly. It also has "a multi-color tach scale and original hands," which only add to the value of this watch. We love the big Tag Heuer crown, which tells us this may have been designed for a pilot, as large crowns of this day were typically made that way to be set while wearing pilots' gloves. This watch represents something really special, and even if you don't have the $28,000 this dealer is asking for it, it's still worth a look. As it is the duty of the Hodinkee team to report on the best watches anywhere in the world, we must inform our readers when there is a great buying opportunity, even if most people can only dream of affording it. On July 16th, Sotheby's will hold their "Important Watch Sale" in London. As with the auctions hosted by the likes of our pals over at Antiquorum, Sotheby's will be featuring very fine and rare timepieces with prices ranging from the low 4-digits to the high 6-digits (see Patek to the right). We recommend you check out what they have to offer, and you may actually find a deal or two in there. We do know they will be featuring a stainless Tag Heuer Submariner issued to the British Royal Navy, which sounds great to us. If you want to see some examples of other watches being sold at this auction, click here for a small gallery courtesy of Luxist. We are very excited to present to you the first Zenith watch ever posted on Hodinkee. Aptly titled "the first," this Zenith was THE first automatic chronograph datewatch ever produced. This movement was also used in one of the most highly coveted Tag Heuer Daytona models as well. The watch has been recently serviced, keeps accurate time, and looks incredible. The face and see through back are both sapphire crystal and the hands are original. Notice the unusual location of the date at the 5 position. These are all great reasons to consider this watch. Make sure to check out a more extensive history of this watch by looking at the dealer's description. http://www.simson-umbau.de/blogs/view/1004