This rare Heuer Monte-Carlo Timer with “Broad Arrow” features was originally developed to be a dashboard-mounted timer for rallying and other such sporting pursuits. After the Second World War, Heuer added a third to its existing duo of "Autavia" and "Hervue" dashboard timers. The Monte-Carlo is a 60-minute stopwatch, originally called the “Auto-Rallye”. Both minute hand and second hands are centrally mounted, unusual for an era that favoured subsidiary seconds.
Early examples like this one featured three buttons – separate start, stop and reset pushers – and can still be mounted to be used in the dashboard of a car. In fact, Roger W. Smith, the English watchmaker and former apprentice of Dr George Daniels, has an example fitted to his 1967 Mini Cooper. Equally, this thoughtfully designed Monte-Carlo Timer could be an attractive and tactile addition to any work desk.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this vintage Hermès Compendium will be subject to 20% VAT.