: I have recently purchased a Flytimer 3 register
: chronograph. I was told it had a Valjoux 71
: movement. It reminds me of the early
: Carrera's. Is there any relationship between
: this watch and Heuer?
: Thanks,
: Randy

Hi. The flytimer watch was designed and patented by Karl Plepla. Mr. Plepla emigrated from Europe around the turn of the century, I believe from Budapest. He brought with him 2 watches which he had made by hand and upon presentation of these watches, gained employment at Tiffany's watchmaking shop in NYC. He ultimately owned a watch-making company of his own in NYC. His son, Gordon, tells me that at that time, the Movado folks as well as several other major watchmakers had all come over from Budapest, and knew each other well. He says they were like a "brat pack". There's very little to be found out there on Karl Plepla. I believe you will find his name on the inside of your watch, however.
Yours,
Steve Hennnigan, MD