Heuer Cortina

No doubt about it, Heuer has created some iconic chronographs.  Whether minimalist and manually wound like the Carrera or curvaceous like the cushion-cased Autavia, there’s a Heuer chrono for everyone — even those who want something that’s a little more off the beaten path. Speaking of which, have you ever seen a Cortina? You could think of it as Heuer’s answer to the Gérald Genta-designed ‘luxury sports watches’ of the early- to mid-1970s, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. With its hexagonal case, integrated bracelet, and luxurious name — it’s called ‘Cortina’ after the Alpine Italian town where the jet set liked to winter and ski — it’s clearly a watch after Genta’s own heart. This particular Cortina features a 39mm stainless steel case with an excellent matching flat-link integrated bracelet, an acrylic crystal, a signed crown, and a matte black Tritium dial with a matching handset. Powered by Heuer’s famed Calibre 12 automatic-winding chronograph movement, this piece includes its factory caseback sticker and its original purchase papers and receipts from Prague dated 1980. While everyone else is clamoring for a Royal Oak or a Nautilus, why not check out something arguably more unique from a brand that knows its chronographs better than anyone? You won’t be sorry!