54
Heuer
Ref. 1163T
Autavia "Siffert"
An attractive and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, blue accents on the dial, tachymeter bezel, bracelet, box and undated guarantee
Full-Cataloguing
The Autavia was the timepiece of choice for many famous Grand Prix drivers during the 1960s and 70s. Amongst them was Jo Siffert, the Swiss double Formula 1 Grand Prix champion who wore an Autavia 1163 with tachymeter scale, white dial with black registers, date and blue seconds chronograph hand and markers, explaining this lot’s nickname. Siffert himself was known for driving a Porsche 917, the replica of which is offered in this lot.
Whilst the 1st execution dials bore the “Chronomatic” script above Heuer, the 2nd execution dials displayed “Automatic Chronograph” and “Autavia” in place of “Chronomatic”. The grooved indexes remained the same, but this time the Heuer shield was made smaller and in some instances, the Autavia text included a “Flat V”, as illustrated in the present example. These 2nd execution dials remain much rarer than the later executions.
Whilst the 1st execution dials bore the “Chronomatic” script above Heuer, the 2nd execution dials displayed “Automatic Chronograph” and “Autavia” in place of “Chronomatic”. The grooved indexes remained the same, but this time the Heuer shield was made smaller and in some instances, the Autavia text included a “Flat V”, as illustrated in the present example. These 2nd execution dials remain much rarer than the later executions.
Heuer
Swiss | 1860This 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.