Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1973 Reference No: 11630 GMT Case No: 262’235 Model Name: Autavia GMT Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 14, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Hailing from the 1970’s during the jet age, Heuer introduced an automatic dual-time chronograph wristwatch to cater towards pilots and travelers allowing them to keep track of two different time zones.
The first examples of the Autavia ref. 11630 GMT housed the famous cal. 11 modified with a 24-Hour GMT indication. Later examples of the reference featured yet another upgraded cal. 14. Furthermore, aesthetical features on the dial were also tweaked. From 1970 onward, the neon yellow GMT hand is fitted with a rectangular tip and the 30-minute counter was divided in 6 segments of 5 minutes each. The reference was launched with two different dial variations with the other featuring grey subsidiary dials produced in less quantity. The present example features white subsidiary dials enhancing its legibility of the second time zone and 30-minute counter.
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.