1979 Heuer Pasadena Chronograph Mk. 1 Dial (Ref. 750.501) 'Factory PVD'

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 Techniques d'Avant Garde acquired Heuer 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.

This example features a rare Mk. 1 dial variant, distinguished by Pasadena printed on the dial—a detail unique to the earliest years of production. Other hallmarks of the Mk. 1 include the light grey rings surrounding the sub-dials and the small rectangular lume plots at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions. Together, these subtle traits set the Mk. 1 apart as the earliest and most collectible iteration of the series.