Heuer LeJour Pasadena Case Model 7000
Excellent original condition. Rare to find original PVD bracelet. Clean and running well. Reliable Valjoux 7750 Swiss Movement. Fully Serviced in 2024.
Case width excluding crown 41mm, Lug width 19mm.
Matt black day-date chronograph dial is in wonderful vintage
condition, remaining clean with minimal signs of age. The original tritium hands have aged to a dark
patina, and show no degradation.
Heuer manufactured LeJour chronographs under a private-label arrangement in the 1980s. Under the terms of the arrangement, Heuer manufactured an array of watches which LeJour then distributed; some, like the
Heuer Pasadena and LeJour model 7000, used the exact same cases. This is well-documented in watch collector communities, forums, and historical
references.
These were popular with Nato Military and Civilian pilots and drivers. The Le Jour 7000 shares the exact same cases as the Heuer Pasadena (and is closely related to the Orfina Porsche Design chronograph worn by Tom
Cruise in Top Gun).
The unpolished and original Stainless Steel Factory PVD case is in exceptional condition with sharp lines and limited wear. The crystal is free of blemishes. The case retains its original PVD unsigned crown and pump pushers. The case back is in overall great condition. Mineral glass crystal is in very good condition. Pvd steel bracelet is original to the watch. Shows some
but not much wear as was common with early Pvd watches and bracelets. Most commonly the PVD finishes on these cases have worn off due to the fact that the PVD process in the late 1970s and early 1980s was new and not fully refined. On many surviving watches the black finish has worn unevenly to a slate/charcoal gray or shows thinning on edges, pushers, and high-wear areas. Well-preserved examples in original state with strong original black coating like this one and original bracelet are highly desirable to collectors.