Re-issues of historical icons have become increasingly commonplace over the last decade. In fact, it’s probably easier to name brands that haven’t re-issued a legacy design than the brands that have. Some examples are so well executed they’re nearly indistinguishable from the originals, such as Omega’s 1957 Speedmaster, the Breitling 806 “1959,” or the Seiko SJE093. But perhaps the best reissue of them all is Heuer’s CS3111, which, somewhat unbelievably, debuted 30 years ago.
It’s hard to believe, but the CS3111 is now firmly “neo-vintage,” having been released in 1996. Drawing inspiration from both the first- and second-execution 2447 Carreras, it captures the spirit of the original while utilizing the Lemania 1873, the same movement found in the Speedmaster, as the Valjoux 72 was no longer in production. The tritium lume, TAG-less Heuer logo, and faithfully reproduced case create a classic presence on the wrist and make it a worthy successor to the original 2447.
Compared to the vintage 2447N, shown below, the only substantive difference is the dial tone, which is ever so slightly glossier and jet black compared to the original Singer dial. On the wrist, the CS3111, wears identically, and in a lineup, it could easily be mistaken for a vintage reference. I continue to believe these remain among the most accessible and overlooked neo-vintage sports chronographs (they are only 30-40% of the price of a 2447N), and I’m excited to offer this example for sale here.
Dial / Handset: Black dial is in excellent condition, with no imperfections, fully intact tritium lume plots, and matching creamy patina in the hour / minute hand. Please see hi-res pictures below for full detail. Any marks are due to the crystal.
Case / Crystal: The case is in excellent and unpolished condition, retaining the sharp and iconic Carrera lines. The crown is original and in good shape. Caseback is in excellent condition, with all engravings deep and sharp. Crystal has a few deep scratches that can likely be buffed out by a watchmaker, and the contrasting inner tension ring is in excellent shape. Please note that I was not able to remove the caseback with my friction ball.
Movement / Functionality: The CS311 is powered by the manual wind Lemania 1873 movement, rather than the Valjoux 72 found in vintage Carreras. Service history is unknown. The watch winds smoothly and all chronograph functions work correctly / crisply. I have not formally timed the watch, but based on the past couple days of wear, it appears to be keeping time well and has a long power reserve. With all of the above said, the watch is sold as-is and a service is recommended.
Accessories: The watch will be sold with the original corfam Heuer strap and buckle (Note: not the lighter strap pictured here). The original strap is quite stiff and worn, which is why I changed it out for picture purposes, but it could potentially be “revived” with leather treatment.
PRICE: $4,750, which includes fully insured Fedex Priority shipping. Payment via direct bank wire or PayPal (F&F or add 3%). US sale strongly preferred. Returns are not accepted unless I have materially misrepresented something (and I don’t believe I have).
