Founded in 1860 in St-Imier, Switzerland, Heuer remains one of the most respected and beloved vintage brands in the watch world. Having put out iconic models like the Carrera, Autavia, Monaco, and Camaro, the brand's pentagonal logo became a calling card for quality and auto racing-worthy design. But they put out a lot of other, equally cool pieces that never got quite the notoriety of their bigger siblings.

Case in point, this Pasadena ref. 750.501, a short-run reference that was introduced just a few years before Heuer was acquired by Techniques d'Avant Garde and became TAG Heuer. With a name that bucks the brand's typical trend of naming their watches after the world's most famous auto races, it instead harkens to one of Southern California's most idyllic cities, just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown LA. Its exceptional, honestly worn PVD case and bracelet—which call to mind the iconic Porsche Design Chronograph 1—and large, highly legible dial design make this an immediately attractive piece, and a great way to dive into the world of Heuer while still keeping it a little left of the proverbial dial.

SPECS

CASE & BRACELET

The unpolished case features its original factory PVD finishing and displays minimal wear from age with crisp and fine edges throughout. The case retains its original PVD finished pump pushers and unsigned crown. The case back retains all of the factory finishing and engravings in crisp condition with some tool marks present from being previously serviced. The watch comes supplied on the original unsigned factory PVD bracelet which retains 19 links that show no stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The matte black dial is in exceptional vintage condition showing no damage or notable age. The tritium lume plots have taken on a beautiful dark custard patina, under UV light inspection the lume in the small 12 o'clock marker is mostly missing while the rest of the lume plots remain intact. The original tritium hands are in great condition, with the hour hand having aged to a darker coloration than the dial and the minutes hand having aged to a lighter coloration. The center chronograph hand has lightened to a cream color from its original bright orange finish.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.