Heuer - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: Circa 1963
    Reference No: 3646
    Case No: 48'864
    Model Name: Autavia "1st Execution Dial 2nd Execution Hands"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Mechanical, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Brown leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 38.5 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Exhibited

    For a similar reference 3646 with 1st execution dial and 2nd execution hands, please see Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962 - 85 by Richard Crosthwaite and Paul Gavin, page 45.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Heuer Autavia has captured the hearts and minds of scholars and collectors today. Having launched the Autavia in 1962, Jack Heuer's vision was absolutely ahead of his time, and the striking wristwatch has today become a cult model among the horological community.

    The present watch, dubbed "Big Subs" due to its oversized subsidiary registers, features an early 1st execution case and dial with 2nd execution hands. With a serial number of 48'864, it displays all the correct attributes of a reference 3646 manufactured in the infancy of the model's production period.

    Most notably featuring a 1st execution dial with luminous markers and numbers, it also displays oversized subsidiary registers with 30 minute counters. It was only later that the reference would display 45 minute subsidiary registers. The 2nd execution hands are not fully applied with radium. Rather, the radium is partially applied, with the steel edges peeking out. The watch most notably features its original bezel with a radium triangle at 12 o'clock. It even retains its original unsigned domed crown. The case is preserved in excellent condition and still retains its bevels.

    At the time of production, Heuer chronographs were considered "technical" watches and were bought for everyday wear. As such, many examples were serviced and polished regularly as they were used as tool watches. Surviving examples are thus often quite worn out and are fitted with replacement parts. To find one, in such original and untouched condition is a true anomaly and a real pleasure.

  • 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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824

Ref. 3646
A highly rare, attractive and early stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with oversized registers and luminous hands

Circa 1963
38.5 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$650,000 - 850,000 
€78,300-102,000
$83,000-110,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017