I agree with the suggestion that these C-shape Carreras -- manual or automatic -- might be good buys, in the current market. We have seen all manner of manual and automatic Autavias jump up in value, followed by the 1960s Carreras, so maybe it's time for the 1970s / C-shape case Carreras to make their move. Or even if they don;t move up, perhaps they represent a good, stable purchase in the current market.

Shown below is one of my very first vintage Heuers, which I also sold to a friend fairly early in the game. I do miss this watch, because of the beautiful dial, although I have generally sworn-off the C-shape cased Carreras. They just don't sit right on my wrist, with the side profile of the case looking too thick to my eye. Of course, the 1970s Autavias are just as thick, but the larger size of the case improves the proportions, in my view.

Maybe it's time to give them another try ? ? ?

Jeff

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: Last week, an original owner Carrera 73653 popped up on fleabay
: (I'm sure many of you saw it) and it captivated me. The dial was
: nearly identical to my Exotic Camaro (from the same time period)
: and it included the Gay Freres bracelet with all links present
: and TIGHT. The listing stated that he was willing to sell
: directly (rare for eBay), so we engaged in dialogue and agreed
: on a price. I bought it with the intention of "giving it a
: try," in that if I didn't like it, I would send it to a
: dealer friend who would list it at the same net price for me.
: Well, let's just say that it has blown me away. When I was
: perusing the Vintage Heuer Price Guide before offering him a
: number, the "desirability" was marked as an
: "E." Really? I rarely see these (on IG, on the forums,
: etc.), and the case size wears really well on just about any
: wrist thanks to the short lugs. Also, the bracelet is everything
: you'd expect from a Gay Freres BoR and can typically be included
: as part of the reasonable price. The ONLY con is the basic
: Valjoux cam-driven movement, but given the strength of the
: overall package, I'm willing to overlook it.

: So...am I off here? Or are these still value plays from the golden
: era of Heuer?

: Cheers,
: Rob