Heuer - The Crosthwaite & Gavin Collection: Exceptional Heuer Chronographs From The Jack Heuer Era Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: Circa 1974
    Reference No: 741.603 GMT
    Case No: 297'974
    Model Name: Autavia GMT
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 7741, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Heuer Corfam strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer 'sun' buckle
    Dimensions: 42mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Heuer red chequerboard presentation box and the original guarantee.
    Literature: The present watch is illustrated in 'Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962-85' (2nd edition) by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin, pages 210-213.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in the mid-70s, at a time when demand was strong for automatic or quartz movements, this Autavia GMT model powered by the manual wind caliber Valjoux 7741 mechanism needed to find means to stand out in the watch market. Conscious about the challenges this manual watch had to face, the brand decided to pay special attention to the design of its dial, gifting this timepiece with a powerful bright yellow second time zone hand beautifully contrasting with the red accents on the hands and 30 minutes counter. Unfortunately, despite this attention to detail, this model did not encounter the success it deserved and sales were below the brand's expectations.

    In the world of collectors, the commercial failures of the past make the success of the present and today, over 40 years after its original launch, this striking example has become a coveted timepiece of which less than 20 pieces are known to exist. Furthermore, it presents itself today in virtually New Old Stock condition still retaining an intact red sticker on its caseback and with no signs of aging. Indeed, a true time capsule to the delight of the savvy collectors!

  • 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. 741.603 GMT
A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with dual time zone indication, date and bright yellow GMT second time zone hand.

Circa 1974
42mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000 

Sold for CHF25,000

Contact Specialist
Virginie Liatard-Roessli
+41 22 317 81 89
vliatard@phillips.com

The Crosthwaite & Gavin Collection: Exceptional Heuer Chronographs From The Jack Heuer Era

Geneva Auction 11 November 2017