Baylor "Poor Man's" Camaro Dato

Why We Love it

When is a Camaro not a Camaro? When it's a Baylor Camaro.

Produced by Heuer for numerous important retailers - such as Sears (Tradition Watches was their house-brand name) and in this case Zales - yes, that diamond store Zales, these chronographs feature all the build quality we know and love, yet usually have more fun dial configurations and funky design elements. This particular example features a date function alongside fluorescing orange elements on the chrono seconds hand and logo, paired up against a blue/white dual register panda dial layout.

While many of the Baylor-branded Heuers were based on more common models such as the Autavia and Carrera, the one that we've found here takes its queues from the humble Camaro. With a properly retro vibe, the 37mm cushion case exudes '70s style.    

Also - look at this bracelet! No normal Speidel stretch bracelet, this is the "Speidel Calendar Watchband" featuring a scrollable calendar that "after 16 months, your jeweler *cough, cough* simply replaces the whole cartridge. Takes seconds." The current calendar is from 1973 and has likely never been changed from its marriage to this watch at time of sale. 

All-in-all, this is a completely fun variation on an under-appreciated model from the golden years of Heuer chronographs.

The Story

Produced for the jeweler Zales, Baylor-branded watches used many of the same parts as the Heuer Autavias and Carreras of the late 1960s. It’s even rumored that as Heuer began to shift its focus toward automatic chronographs with new cases and dials, Zales was able to snatch up parts for pennies on the dollar. The result was a small array of watches that looked and felt just like Heuers. Because they were.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the fashion was for sporty chronographs in sturdy cases. Some of the most renowned racers and teams of the day regularly seen sporting Heuer’s Carrera, Monza and Autavia models. However, then, as now, their price points were out of reach of many average enthusiasts, giving rise to what we now refer to as “Poor Man’s Heuers.”

These watches have picked up quite a bit of traction in recent years, as collectors realize the value of these stunning and sporty watches. However, they’re perhaps undeserving of the moniker, because their solid cases and dependable movements are the same as those used by Heuer. In fact, Heuer manufactured pieces to be sold at a more affordable price through large retailers like Sears & Roebuck and Zales, under names like Tradition or Baylor.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.