Having a love for complications and complicatedwatches, makes me love Chronograph watches. At first two register chronographfor simplicity of the dial and providing chronograph functionality for themost. Then the three-register chronograph for the complication of movement andthe history of the movements, like of the iconic Omega Ref. 321, Ref. 861 (usedin famous moon landing), Zenith El Primero, Venus mostly used in Breitlings,Landeron, and one of the most well-known movement makers Valjoux. With theirfamous Valjoux 72 put in the vintage Rolex Pre Daytona’s and of course the bigdog Patek Philippe reference 2499 using Valjoux 88 my favorite which sold inauction for $3.30 Million in 2018. Ialso love the Heuer Caliber 11 first micro automatic chronograph movement withdate.
A Chronograph is simply a watch that combines thefunction of a stopwatch with a timekeeping display watch, by utilizing anindependent sweep second hand. Chronographs often have complications on theface of the watch which can be used to record different time measurements, mooncycles, heart rate and more. Chronographs have usually have a separate buttonsto stop, start, and reset (unless it is an monopusher) the stopwatchcomplication, with the start button typically at the two and four o’clockposition.
The name Chronograph is derived from the Greek words‘Chronos’ – the personification of time – and ‘graph’, meaning to write. Thefirst modern Chronograph was created in 1816 by French watchmaker, LouisMoinet. Invented solely for use in union with astrological equipment, Moinet’sChronograph could measure time accurate to 1/60th of a second – an unrivaleddegree of precision at the time of its creation.
"poor man's" Heu-ers represent an interestingfacet of Heu-er's history and also provide a sensible way for individuals tocollect these chronographs on a more reasonable budget. The term "PoorMan's Heu-er" only to refer to chronographs manufactured by Heu-er forother brands one of which is Zodiac & Clebar, which is one of my favoritebrands. Please note on ebay there are few brands that are not made by Heu-erand still refer to as Poor man which is not true.
The Reference 2558 chronograph is a triple calendar (day-date-month), three register chronograph, in 18 karat gold. Also one of the rarest, at the time it was close to 4 times the price of Valjoux 72 version 345, and about 3 times the 2543. So not too many were sold, which makes the watch very special. This sample is the "top of the line" model, with raised gold figures on the dial. The dial is not white or silver, but more of a cream color; the gold dauphine hands show that nothing has been spared in the execution of this model.
This is a beauty. It is very rare to find a watch thisold with original Heuer Service box. Defiantly a collector watch. Please look at all thepictures, as they are part of the description. The watch is working andServiced. This is a highly collectible watch. Very few left with this raremovement. Sure, to increase in value overtime, and a great addition to yourcollection. The condition of the watch is the same as it appears in thephotos. The watch is working and ispart of our new Certified Pre-Owned CPO. Contact me if you have any questions first.
SPECIFICATION | |
Case | 18K Gold Case and Case Back. |
Case Size | 35,00 mm without the crown and 42,50 Lug to Lug |
Case Back | 18K Gold cover. Snap on. |
Crown | UnSigned Gilded Gold |
Crystal | Acrylic Some Scratches, Looks great |
Bezel: | None. |
Dial: | This is a watch with lost of history, The dial seems two tone, Darker, lighter, darker. Dial has Arabic numerals with black outline for 12, 2, 4, 8, 10 o'clock, plus gold dots for other numbers. Triple Calendar chronograph. There is a 60-minute/one-fifth second track with Arabic numerals every five minutes. Around the perimeter is a blue date scale that's indicated by a second gold steel center hand with a arrow tip.There are twin rectangular aperture windows underneath 12 o'clock with the day and month. It has three slightly recessed subsidiary dials, including a running seconds indicator at 9 o'clock, a 12-hour chronograph totalizer at 6 o'clock, and there is a 30-minute register at 3 o'clock. Shows Lots of patina, the dial has lots of spotting and marks (mostly black marking from ink coming lose during 70 plus years of age, i think)the outer blue date wheel is all there which is rare. This watch has a Spanish Date Month wheel in blueish color. Please see picture for more detail. |
Complication | Seconds, Date, Chronograph, Day, Month. |
Movement | Manual-winding Famouse Valjoux 72C Dato Compax DATORA |
Movement Notes | Just inspected and in great shape. Fully Serviced and Overhauled. Come with a Service Warranty! Please see pictures and as some old movements don't have a very clear marking. Movement is running. Keeps great time see below time testing. |
Strap | Genuine Leather, Lug Size: 17mm Please see picture. |
Box | Come with Beautiful Heuer Service Box Value $70 |
Reference # | 2558 |
Made in | Switzerland |
Water Resistance | No. Please pressure test before water use. |
Service Level | 1 $800 Service on 10/8/2019 (Please see Tab below for details) |
Timing Test ** | -11s/day In-House Time Test Results (See Service Level Tab)** |
Certified Pre-Owned | Passed 25-point inspection. Please see tab below for details. |
Warranty | 3-Month Service Warranty (Please see Tab below for details) |
Notes: | All watch functions tested and operable. Circa 1947. Please see the video by Tim Masso on YouTube. |