Heuer - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: circa 1973
    Reference No: 1563, stamped 1163V between lugs
    Case No: 271'144
    Model Name: Autavia "Exotic Dial"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 15, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel, Heuer bracelet by Gay Frères, 200mm. max length
    Clasp/Buckle: Deployant buckle
    Dimensions: 47mm. length x 42mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Literature: Reference 1563 "Exotic" is featured in Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962-1985 by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin pp. 150-153

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 2008, Heuer collectors were invited to La Chaux-de-Fonds to visit the Heuer workshops. There, they spotted an Autavia reference 1563 never seen before.

    The reference 1563 had the same case as the ref erence1163V and most often the cases were stamped with the latter reference number, the major difference being the caliber 15 housed within, featuring a continuous seconds hand at 10 o’clock and a 30 minute counter at 3 o’clock.

    Not much information existed on this timepiece: was it a prototype, a special one-off or a limited edition?

    Rapidly, this model garnered an important following amongst the Heuer enthusiasts who nicknamed it the “Exotic Dial”. This model launched in the early 1970s, had a dial unlike any other within the Autavia family: large luminous markers, checkerboard style hash marks for the 1/5-second track, hands and semi-circle around the minutes counter subdial in vivid orange and crosshairs for the running seconds register.
    In the past nine years since the re discovery of the “Exotic Dial” we have learned very little about the history of this mysterious piece. We believe that is was not a prototype as a few dozen examples have been spotted but in any event we would think that it is amongst the rarest of Autavia models ever produced.

    The Autavia reference 1563 with “Exotic Dial" is amongst the most desirable and coveted Heuer models. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time an “Exotic Dial” Autavia is offered for sale by an international auction house and we are delighted to offer this superb example in examplary condition, with full powerful case, colorful dial and original Heuer, Gay Frères made bracelet.

  • 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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39

Ref. 1563, stamped 1163V between lugs
A very rare and highly attractive large stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with orange hands and bracelet

circa 1973
47mm. length x 42mm. diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 20,000 
€9,300-18,500
$9,900-19,800

Sold for CHF18,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017