Heuer Autavia ref. 1163T, 'Jo Siffert'

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

While the Carrera gets all the attention, the Heuer Autavia is actually the ‘OG’ Heuer. A combination of ‘Automotive’ and ‘Aviation’ - the Autavia line originally started as dash mounted rally timers made for motorsport and aviation applications. It was not until the early 1960s that first Autavia wrist chronographs came around. The first generation Autvaia, the Reference 2446, utilized screw-back cases and the venerable Valjoux 72 manual-winding movements, while the second generation case with used a snap-back case or ‘Compressor’ Case - hence the model shift to 2446C. The piece that we have here is a third generation ‘cushion case’ Autavia, which was the first to get Heuer’s Cal 11 automatic winding chronograph movement. When you think of an Autavia, theres a good chance that this is what comes to mind. This particular variant, with its white 'panda' dial with contrasting black subsidiary registers, is perhaps the most sought-after and desirable within the 1163 range. Dating to circa 1971, this Reference 1163T is a 'MK4' variant known to collectors as a 'Jo Siffert' and simply put, this has to be the finest example we have ever seem come to market. It remains in completely untouched condition, with an immaculate dial, the correct 'fluted' pushers, correct signed crown, correct Gay Freres 'beads-of-rice' bracelet, correct 'HLD' endlinks, and correct bezel assembly. The Tritium plots on the dial remain fully-intact and exhibit a uniform rich patina, and the handset matches beautifully. As a cherry on top, this piece is offered with its correct box and period papers. It quite simply does not get better than this.