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  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: Circa 1985
    Reference No: 113.603, 11063V
    Case No: 1622-M (Military Number)
    Model Name: Autavia
    Material: PVD coated stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Nylon
    Clasp/Buckle: Metal
    Dimensions: 41mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: For similar examples of reference 113.603, see Heuer Autavia Chronographs, Richard Crosthwaite and Paul Gavin, pg. 142-143, 146-147, 150-151.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Autavia is amongst Heuer’s most important product lines. Since the model name was first introduced by the brand in 1933, Autavia timepieces were designed and marketed for racecar drivers and pilots. With their robust, water resistant cases and outstanding legibility, militaries of multiple nations selected the Autavia watches to be issued to their officers and combat personnel.

    The present reference 113.603 / 11063 V is an exceptional military Autavia that was issued to the elite Naval officers of the Israeli Defense Forces – known as Tzahal in Hebrew. The military engraving on the caseback, “1633-M”, documents the fact that it was an issued timepiece. Like similar military-issued Autavias, the case lacks a serial number – an absolutely correct detail, as these were special watches fabricated outside of Heuer’s regular production.

    For an issued watch intended for military use, the present example was sparingly worn on the battlefield, if ever. The black PVD is completely present throughout the case, in accordance with the watch’s overall excellent, original condition. The present lot is an outstanding, rarely seen example of a military-issued Heuer watch for the discerning collector.

  • Artist Biography

    Heuer

    Swiss • 1860

    This iconic chronograph manufacturer has a long tradition of precision timekeeping. As early as 1882, founder Edouard Heuer held a patent for a chronograph watch; in 1887, he received a patent for an oscillating pinion, which is still in use today. These specialized timepieces have been at the heart of the firm's success, enabling the brand to be chosen as early timekeepers for the Olympics. In 1969, the company introduced their first automatic chronograph watch, the Monaco Heuer, which celebrated the Monaco Grand Prix. Other key chronograph models include the Autavia and the Carrera, all of which having become iconic models of the firm.

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Ref. 113.603, 11063V
A very rare and attractive PVD coated stainless steel chronograph with black dial, date, and revolving bezel, made for the Israeli Defense Forces.

Circa 1985
41mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF6,000 - 12,000 

Sold for CHF87,500

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016