Having not long celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023, the Heuer Carrera is something of an icon in the vintage watches’ hall of fame. Named after the legendary Carrera Panamericana car race in Mexico, the Carrera has found itself proudly displayed on the wrist of countless famous faces over its 60 years.
This week we’ve had some hands-on time with the Heuer Carrera, thanks to the team over at Watches of Lancashire. Their impressive collection of vintage watches has been selected by experienced watchmakers and for those interested in making a purchase, each watch comes with a two-year warranty.
Straps for the Heuer Carrera
Its sporty aesthetic might be instantly recognizable, but the Carrera is actually really versatile. From smart leather to brightly coloured rubber straps, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to styling the beloved model. We’ve picked out a handful of our favourite straps to wear with the Heuer Carrera, so you don’t have to!
Best Brown Straps
Radstock Vintage Genuine Leather Watch Strap
Radstock Vintage Genuine Leather Watch Strap on 1970’s Heuer Carrera 73453. Credit: WatchGecko.
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- £48.00
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We’ve already talked about the instantly recognizable sports aesthetic of the Carrera. Steeped in motorsport history since its very origin, it would be hard to extricate the timepiece from its racing heritage, and why would you want to? In the spirit of playing into that, our next suggestion is the Radstock Vintage Genuine Leather strap.
Each strap is handmade in Spain with vegetable tanned top-grain leather, meaning they’re incredibly soft and fit like a charm. The Radstock straps look their best when paired with vintage timepieces, so the Carrera is a somewhat obvious choice for those looking for something timelessly trendy without any fuss. Traditional whilst retaining vintage individuality, each Radstock strap is hand painted, ensuring no two are quite the same.
Classic Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap
Classic Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap on 1970’s Heuer Carrera 73453. Credit: WatchGecko.
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- £68.00
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- £68.00
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I’ll keep this short and sweet as, by now, our Highley Leather range has earned an infamous status amongst our strap catalogue. Consistently popular with customers looking for a classic leather strap that pairs well with vintage timepieces, the Classic Highley has been meticulously designed with reduced padding at the lug end for a well-proportioned finish.
Incorporated with quick-release spring bars, it’s easier than ever to strap swap between the Highley ranges six classic leather variations.
Best Strap for Sports
ZULUDIVER Mayday Anchor Sailcloth Divers Watch Strap
ZULUDIVER Mayday Anchor Sailcloth Divers Watch Strap on 1970’s Heuer Carrera 73453. Credit: WatchGecko.
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- £58.00
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- £58.00
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Speaking of sports, for those among us who are well acquainted with the outdoors, the ZULUDIVER Mayday collection is a great choice. Comfortable, lightweight, and waterproof, the Mayday Anchor is thickly padded but flexible, making it the perfect companion for adventurers. Crafted with three layers of premium PVC rubber and lined with Lorica, the Mayday Anchor is stylish yet durable and has been engineered for excellence.
Giving you the freedom to take the Heuer Carrera anywhere, the Mayday straps have high abrasion resistance for ultimate functionality. Suitable for any skin type, thanks to its hypoallergenic properties and breathability, and finished with a brushed solid stainless steel buckle for a touch of sophistication, the Mayday also incorporates quick-release spring bars for painless strap swaps on the go.
Best Colourful Strap
WatchGecko Vintage Tropical Style FKM Rubber Watch Strap
WatchGecko Vintage Tropical Style FKM Rubber Watch Strap on 1970’s Heuer Carrera 73453. Credit: WatchGecko.
Already identified as one of our Best Straps for Spring, the WatchGecko Vintage Tropical straps are inspired by diving watches from the 1960’s. Paying homage to a design beloved in times gone by, the Vintage Tropical strap comes in ten bold colour choices, and the Orange in particular blends perfectly with the sunny accents of the Carrera.
Featuring small, perforated vents to ensure enhanced airflow to the skin, the Vintage Tropical straps are crafted with specialist FKM rubber which is highly resistant to salt water, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. The perfect strap for holidaying, or life in warmer climates, our Vintage Tropical not only looks charmingly retro when paired with the Carrera but provides ultimate functionality for life on the go.
Best Luxury Leather Strap
Boutsen Cavallo Racing Handmade Leather Watch Strap
Boutsen Cavallo Racing Handmade Leather Watch Strap on 1970’s Heuer Carrera 73453. Credit: WatchGecko.
£128.00
Unique, timeless, and meticulously crafted by hand at a family-run workshop in Belgium, our Boutsen Cavallo straps are the perfect premium option for those looking for a luxury leather strap with an iconic racing-style design. Luxuriously soft from the first wear, each strap is produced using the finest quality tanned Horse leather for a well-aged looking patina.
Hand-painted with a colour stain to match the leather, the edges have been expertly handstitched using contrasting thread for a timelessly sophisticated look. With its iconic rally racing strap design and several lug width options, the prestigious Heuer Carrera looks right at home.
Best Affordable Strap
WatchGecko Ridge British Military Watch Strap
WatchGecko Ridge British Military Watch Strap on 1970’s Heuer Carrera 73453. Credit: WatchGecko.
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- £28.00
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- £16.80
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Finally, an impressively affordable option. Available in 22 striking colours, the WatchGecko Ridge range is inspired by traditional military issued straps from the 1970’s. Originally available exclusively in military grey, these nylon straps have come a long way since their conception and are now a staple for watch lovers due to their versatility as well as durability.
Crafted from 1.2mm thick nylon, the Ridge straps are tough and hardwearing thanks to premium material that has been subtly ribbed for strength just like traditional military webbing. Presented as a one-piece construction, the Ridge Military Nylon strap has been designed to keep your watch on your wrist even in the event of a spring-bar failure. Comfortable, durable, and water resistant, the Ridge is fit to keep up with any adventure.
