Today, we’re wishing Jack Heuer a Happy 91st Birthday! So let’s do the math – Jack Heuer is celebrating his 91st birthday and he created the Carrera chronograph 60 years ago, so – yes – that tells us that he developed this legendary watch at age 31. Looking at the first Carrera from 1963 and the latest 18 karat gold Carrera introduced a couple of months ago, we can say that both Jack and his beloved Carrera have had an amazing run over these last 60 years!! In Jack’s honor, let’s look back at some photos of Jack during the 1960s and 70s, the decades when he led Heuer to an unrivalled position in the world of motorsports -- In March 1959, Jack left Switzerland for the United States, with his uncle Hubert Heuer -- Heuer introduced the Autavia in 1962, the Carrera in 1963 and the world’s first automatic chronographs in 1969 -- In March 1969, Heuer signed Swiss F1 hero Jo Siffert; the Heuer logo would be prominent on racecars for the next decade -- A 1971 agreement with Enzo Ferrari made Heuer the official timekeeper for the Ferrari racing team; the cars had the Heuer logo and the drivers wore 18 karat gold Carreras -- Mario Andretti joined the Ferrari F1 team in 1971, receiving the gold Carrera that he owns to this day -- In 1971, Heuer introduced the Easy Rider model, with the name of F1 Ferrari racer Jacky Ickx on the dial -- Though not a Ferrari driver, Ronnie Peterson was Jack’s good friend, receiving an engraved Carrera in 1972 -- Niki Lauda and Caly Regazzoni joined Ferrari in 1974, with Lauda bringing the team the world championship in 1975 -- Jack was especially proud of the electronic timing equipment that Heuer introduced – timing systems, stopwatches and the Chronosplit chronograph in 1976 -- Introduced in 1977, the Manhattan Chronosplit GMT was one of Jack’s favorite models So wishing Jack Heuer a Happy 91st, with our sincere gratitude for your accomplishments and best wishes for your continued health and happiness!!
I’ve been thinking about Mr. Heuer and his birthday today. Planning to wear my JH80 in his honor later.
Happy Happy Birthday IDOL JH! To more happy & healthy years to come! THANK YOU for the legendary Heuer/TAG Heuer Autavia, Carrera & Monaco!
I was travelling yesterday and couldn't post. Amazing how much of Jack, and all the people that have contributed to his life's work, have touched all of us. Hope many more years to come!