Vintage Yachting Big Eye Haste (LeJour) large stainless steel chronograph
1960's "Big Eye and Yachting chronographs" are one of the most sought-after categories of classic watches these days. From Google: Heuer, LeJour and other European manufacturers did not want to sell watches under own brand (high import tariffs) in North America. So Le Jour went under the "JP Pengouin" brand in the US and "Haste" in Mexico. The watches were Swiss but final finish was done in N. This timepiece is signed Haste/JPPengouin 3 times. The "yachting" part refers to the colorful minute-recorder dial, where the yellow and red are amazingly sharp 60 years later!
The "big eye" refers to the minute register being considerably bigger than the second register, with the minute-register hand being oversized with a distinct circle. I've taken closeup pictures of the dial at extreme proximity so you can see the detail and any blemishes. The case is exactly that of the 60's Heuer Carrera: 37mm (40mm with crown) by 45mm.
The Valjoux 7733 is the Heuer Carrera movement. The case appears solid stainless steel (despite caseback saying steel back) with zero tarnish or brassing. The movement works great, as you can see in this video, I recorded just now. Please consider this is a vintage timepiece so I cannot guarantee it will not need a tuneup to run properly when you receive it. The item "Vintage Yachting Big Eye Haste (LeJour) large stainless steel chronograph" is in sale since Sunday, April 25, 2021. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Watches\Wristwatches". The seller is "galjak" and is located in Alamo, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Model: Big Eye Yachting
- Department: Men
- Case Color: Silver
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Mechanical (Manual)
- Type: Wristwatch
- Year Manufactured: 1960-1969
- Dial Color: Black
- Band Color: Brown
- Brand: Haste by LeJour
- Case Size: 37mm (40 w crown) X 45mm
- Style: Classic
- Band Material: Genuine Leather
- Features: Chronograph