Heuer - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022

  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: 1969
    Reference No: 1163MH
    Case No: 141'206
    Model Name: Autavia Chronomatic
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 11, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless Steel Heuer Gay Freres bracelet, max length 220 mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless Steel Heuer Gay Freres deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The history of how the first automatic chronographs came to exist is quite simply put mindboggling, it is a story about one of the most important moments in watchmaking history. During the 1960's three major brands (or joint venture of brands) were racing to produce the first automatic chronograph movement. In Japan, Seiko was pushing innovation from their R&D department. In Switzerland Zenith was also trying to develop said movement alone, and finally also in Switzerland Heuer, Breitling and Hamilton-Buren partnered (a venture labelled at a later stage Project 99”) with movement specialist Dubois-Depraz. The joint-venture "Project 99" resulted in the creation of caliber 11. Watches housing Caliber 11 are easily identifiable as the crown was placed on the left side of the watch, to enhance the fact that the later was not daily needed anymore.

    This Heuer Autavia from 1969 is one of the early generation models with the iconic and sought after "Chronomatic" dial configuration. The name Chronomatic was used by Heuer only for a very short period of time. It was later used solely by Breitling. The splashes of red on the chronograph hands and hour indicators contrast quite prominently against the black and white colors of the dial. The date aperture at 6 o'clock allows for easy and quick readability.
    Presented in overall excellent condition, this Autavia Chronomatic showcases a beautifully preserved and original dial, the Gay Frères bracelet is in similar conditions to the case maintaining its rigidity and shape.
    Increasingly hard to come by, this Heuer Chronomatic in such appealing condition with this dial configuration is a rarity and an opportunity any vintage chronograph collector should not let go of.

  • 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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137

Heuer

Ref. 1163MH
An early and rare stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with black dial, red chrono hand, date and bracelet

1969
42mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€29,500-58,900
$31,900-63,700

Sold for CHF44,100

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022