Heuer Montreal Ref 110.503 42mm 1970s

The Heuer Montreal 110.503N is a timepiece that embodies the bold spirit of 1970s watch design, reflecting an era when Heuer was expanding its chronograph offerings beyond the racing-inspired Carrera and Monaco. Released in 1972, the Montreal was part of Heuer’s push to develop watches that appealed to a broader audience, not just motorsport enthusiasts. With its large cushion-shaped case, vibrant dial options, and innovative automatic movement, the Montreal stood out as one of the more distinctive models in Heuer’s lineup.

Jack Heuer, the man behind the brand’s success during this period, had a keen eye for design and functionality. The Montreal was introduced at a time when the Swiss watch industry was undergoing significant changes, particularly with the rise of quartz technology. However, Heuer remained committed to mechanical chronographs, and the Montreal was one of the many watches that showcased the brand’s dedication to precision engineering. Unlike some of its more famous siblings, such as the Monaco and Carrera, the Montreal was not named after a specific race or event. Instead, it took its name from the Canadian city, possibly as a nod to North America’s growing interest in motorsports.

One of the most notable aspects of the Heuer Montreal 110.503N is its case design. At 42mm, it was considered large for its time, making it a bold choice for enthusiasts who preferred oversized watches. The case was crafted from solid stainless steel and featured a brushed finish that gave it a sporty yet refined appearance. Its distinctive cushion shape, combined with the absence of conventional lugs, gave the watch a seamless and ergonomic feel on the wrist. The pushers and crown were positioned on the right-hand side, maintaining the traditional chronograph layout that Heuer had perfected over the years.

The 110.503N reference is particularly sought after due to its striking black dial, which provided a stark contrast against the vibrant colours of its hands and markers. The watch’s dial layout was highly legible, featuring large white sub-dials positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. These sub-dials displayed running seconds, a 30-minute counter, and a 12-hour counter, all essential for precise timekeeping. The use of bold red and orange accents on the hands added a sense of energy and excitement, making the Montreal a true statement piece.

One of the most intriguing features of the Heuer Montreal was the inclusion of a pulsation dial. Unlike tachymeter scales, which were commonly used by racing drivers to calculate speed, a pulsation scale was designed for medical professionals, allowing them to measure a patient’s heart rate. This scale, printed on the outer edge of the dial, worked by counting the number of heartbeats within a set number of seconds, usually 30. The pulsation dial was an uncommon feature on Heuer chronographs, making the Montreal particularly interesting for collectors who appreciate unique and practical design elements.

Powering the Montreal 110.503N was the Calibre 12 movement, an evolution of the famous Calibre 11, which was one of the first automatic chronograph movements ever produced. The Calibre 12 was developed through a collaboration between Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton-Büren, and Dubois Dépraz, a partnership that led to the creation of the world’s first automatic chronograph movement in 1969. While the Calibre 11 had some initial teething issues, the Calibre 12 improved upon its predecessor by increasing the beat rate to 21,600 vibrations per hour, enhancing overall reliability and accuracy. The movement featured a modular construction, with a micro-rotor automatic winding system that allowed for a thinner case profile compared to traditional automatic chronographs.

Despite its impressive design and innovative movement, the Montreal was not as commercially successful as some of Heuer’s other models. Its bold aesthetic may have been ahead of its time, and by the late 1970s, the watch industry was struggling with the impact of the Quartz Crisis. As a result, the Montreal remained a relatively short-lived model, and it never reached the iconic status of the Monaco or Carrera. However, in recent years, the Montreal has gained a new appreciation among collectors, particularly those who admire vintage Heuer chronographs with distinctive styling.

The rarity of the Heuer Montreal 110.503N, especially in good condition, makes it a desirable piece for enthusiasts looking to own a piece of Heuer’s history. Many examples have developed patina over the years, adding to their character and vintage charm. Finding an original model with an intact dial and functioning Calibre 12 movement can be challenging, but for those who appreciate Heuer’s legacy, the search is well worth the effort. This one has never been polished, which adds to its allure and value.

Heuer has revisited the Montreal name in modern times, notably with the release of a special edition TAG Heuer Carrera Montreal in 2020. While this modern reinterpretation paid homage to the original with its colourful dial elements, it lacked the cushion-shaped case and pulsation dial that made the original Montreal so unique. Nonetheless, the tribute highlighted the growing recognition of the Montreal’s place in Heuer’s history, reinforcing its status as a watch that deserves more appreciation.

In the grand scheme of Heuer’s vintage chronographs, the Montreal remains an underappreciated gem. Its combination of bold 1970s styling, advanced automatic movement, and the rare inclusion of a pulsation dial make it a fascinating timepiece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. While it may not have the same legendary status as some of Heuer’s other models, the Montreal 110.503N is a watch that captures the adventurous spirit of its era, standing as a testament to Heuer’s innovation and commitment to mechanical watchmaking. For those who admire vintage chronographs with personality and historical significance, the Montreal is a piece well worth considering. This watch is rare, so don’t hesitate if you’re interested. If someone doesn’t buy it, we’re keeping it! It is almost too good to let go, especially at this price!

• Case is in great vintage condition, it remains unpolished (never touched a polishing wheel). All sides remain extremely sharp like from the factory.
• Rally Strap in great condition

The dial and hands are in flawless condition.