Heuer’s Calibre 12 powered chronographs from the 1970s evolved through three distinct generations. First came the “launch models”, the Autavia, Carrera and Monaco, introduced to the world as the first automatic chronographs in March 1969. The second generation of Calibre 12 chronographs, beginning in 1971, captured the wild style of the 1970s – the oversized but very useful Calculator, the Montreal with its vibrant colors, and the Silverstone, with its distinctive blue, red or fume tones on the dial. For its third generation, which made its debut in 1977, Heuer dialed back the exuberance and overstatement of the predecessors, with a range of chronographs that captured the energy of racing as well as an elegant style that would be suitable for high end clients with a globetrotting lifestyle. 

For this third series of Caliber 12 chronographs, Heuer used names of legendary places. The Daytona, Jarama and Monza are associated with motorsports; Kentucky is among the most famous locations for horseracing; and the names Cortina and Verona represent Heuer’s association with the lifestyle of Italian jet-setters.

The Jarama chronograph demonstrates the essence of this third generation of Calibre 12 chronographs, capturing the energy and excitement of the legendary Spanish racetrack, along with the glamour of Formula 1. The Jarama racetrack is often associated with Gilles Villeneuve, who triumphed at Jarama in what is regarded as one of the great battles in Formula 1 history. Of course, Villeneuve was an enthusiast of Heuer chronographs, usually wearing the Autavia and Chronosplit models.