Horological Meandering

amanico
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A new addi(c)tion in my collection: Heuer Bund 3 H Chrono.

I don't know if it is an addition or an addiction, as lately, I explored the thema of Pilot Chronos with a certain delectation.



First, the lovely Jardur, which became my absolute favourite Pilot Chrono, with its superb and powerful look:



Then, the Omega Speedmaster, which is considered by many as a must have in this thema:



And now, a Military Pilot Chrono, the Heuer 3H Bund, made, as its name strongly suggests it, for the German Army in the late 60ies, early 70ies.



German Army, but not only, as the Heuer was also delivered to the Norvegian Airforce. ( Pics to be credited to Zaf Basha ) :





The Heuer 3 H was released under the German Army specifications ( picture to be credited to Mr W.A Manning ) :



The Cal ( Valjoux 230 ) is a Flyback Chronograph, which has to be, according to the Bund Spec, accurate to + / - 10 seconds per day, and in fact, it is more accurate than that, as mine, for example, looses only 4 seconds per day.

A view on the Valjoux 230 ( Credit pic: Zaf Basha ) :



The power reserve is a bit short, nonetheless, as it turns around 36 hours.

The 40 mm case is in stainless steel, an receives a very pleasant dark sandblast finish.

The lugs are drilled, and have a very nice and sweet shape:



One word ot two about the crown, which is a male / female construction, which means that sometime, it may remain stuck between your fingers when you set the time.

Here, no problem, as you can generally set this small issue by yourself, but be careful, this is the weak point of this watch.

The crown, although flat, is generously dimensionned, maybe to allow Pilot to wind or set the time without having to remove their gloves?



The case back tells the story of this military tool, with the traditional Bund engravings:

 

The case back is held by 4 small screws.


The dial is certainly the soul of the Heuer Bund.

The legibility is its main virtue, with big luminous numbers and hands, on this grey black dial, which is capital for a toolwatch like this one.

I appreciate a lot the fact that there are only 2 counters, for the aesthetics and the balance of the dial, and that there is no date to ruin its simple and sober beauty.

A detail, which is not visible on all the 3 H Heuer Bund, is the small T just above 6 o' clock.

Not rare, but not on all the authentic Heuer Bund.

Let's recall the meaning of " 3 H " ( Credit to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission )

Chemical Symbol: H Common Names: Tritium

Atomic Weight: 3 Atomic Number: 1





I put a Nato on mine, but the original strap is this one ( Credit pic: Zaf, again )



On the wrist, this Chronograph is a feast.

The watch, due to its nice proportions, not too big nor too small nor thick, has a lot of presence, sporty, strong, yet sober:





And here on a black calf strap ( aftermarket, though ) :



Rougher than a Breguet Type XX or than a Speedie, this bad boy has, however, a lot of charm, and can be very addictive don't you think?



Best,

Nicolas