When Jack Heuer launched the reference 1163 automatic chronograph in 1969, he wanted to target successful “men of action”: entrepreneurs and jet-setters with a penchant for car racing and sports in general. He was keen to incorporate new design elements into the model, deliberately introducing to the architecture of the timepiece both aesthetic elements more in fashion with the current times (most notably the tonneau-shaped case, a trend typical of the 1970s), and also featuring the useful date complication.

Following the success of the model, soon reference 1163GMT was released, upgraded with a 24 hour module GMT. Early examples have the 1 to 24 rotating bezel and brushed steel hands with red insert. Second series ones, like the present lot, used the even number only bezel and red hands in the subdials. This is a short-lived feature as allegedly pilots found red hands difficult to read in low level light conditions. Consequently most examples thereafter used black subdial hands.

This second edition model also uses the "no lume dot-bezel", (later or service models would use bezels with lume dot). All the 1163GMT references have fluted pushers with a recess cut into the top side of the case and crown at 9 o'clock which is always signed.

The present example is offered in simply spectacular condition, featuring sharp edges to the case and an absolutely flawless dial. It is safe to say that this specimen ranks among the very best ones to ever appear on the public market. A final layer of appeal is given by the supremely elegant Gay Frères bracelet, a collectible in itself and a product of what is considered the best bracelet maker of the twentieth century.