Tropical 1153N ‘Mick Jagger’ Heuer Carrera

If you didn’t know, Mick Jagger isn’t just one of the most accomplished and energetic singer/songwriter frontmen of all time. He’s a watch guy, and quite an interesting one. Although he’s been spotted wearing other things such as a Seiko 6309-7040, Mr. Jagger is a Heuer man. The vast majority of spots in which a watch is on Jagger’s wrist, it’s either his 11630P Autavia or this Carrera. In fact, that 1153N Carrera has become so associated with the man as to be nicknamed the ‘Mick Jagger’ amongst Heuer fanatics. This example, though, with its wild patina and light tropicalization, is just a bit more special than the Stones connection alone.

The 1153 was one of a trio of Heuer chronographs to debut in 1969 with the then-new and innovative calibre 11. That 11 was amongst the world’s first automatic chronograph movements (let’s not start that debate again). The Carrera’s trio counterparts, the 1163 Autavia and 1133 Monaco, are both trading hands at double (or more) the ask of an 1153N today. Why? The Carrera was more widely produced, but certainly no less attractive. That, in addition to the very 70s 39mm C-case, make the 1153 something of an attractive vintage chrono value in 2022.

The star of this example is its dial, originally a navy blue. Age and likely a healthy bit of sunbathing has seen that navy turn slate grey with wild golden tropical rings surrounding its subdials. The overall tone has paused somewhere between grey, taupe, and a purplish blue. Yes, some will consider this damage. Others, myself included, find the ageing of dials like this notably more attractive. I have seen a few dials start to lighten at the subdial edges, but never before to this exaggerated extent. As the seller notes, they look ‘on fire’, as is this whole Carrera in my estimation.

Aside from that magical dial, the example checks out. Crown and fluted pushers all correct. The case retains full proportion, but I suspect has seen a light polish. Nothing egregious. It comes on its original Gay Freres BOR stamped correctly. The Calibre 11 has been recently overhauled and is runnning well. It comes from a well-regarded German retailer.

Find this Jagger 1153 here from Watchurbia for 4980 EUR.