Heuer Autavia (Ref. 73663) "Jo Siffert Colors", 1972

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Heuer Autavia came into production in 1933 as a dashboard timer for automotive racing and flying, where the Autavia name is derived, Auto and Aviation. The Autavia then later introduced in 1962 (The same year Jo Siffert entered Formula One) as the wristwatch we know today, and soon became the flagship for the entire Brand. Jo Siffert wore an Autavia 1163, which featured an automatic movement with a date function, a white dial with black registers, and blue accents. Approximately 1 year after Jo's tragic accident during the World Championship Victory Race of 1971, Heuer introduced a new line of manually wound chronographs including the ref. 73663. These manually wound chronos continued in the steps of their older siblings with the cushion style case that was originally introduced to house the Cal. 11 movement, but were redesigned for the Valjoux 7736 movement and to also feature the crown on the same side as the pushbuttons, which operate the chronograph function. Although the ref. 73663 isn't technically the Jo Siffert Autavia, it shares the same color scheme and is actually considerably rare. During its era of production, Heuer produced only a very small number of manually wound chronos, this is partially in part to them offering these watches as a "more affordable" timepiece compared to their world-renowned automatic chronographs but also to meet the specifications for military application, as an even smaller number of these watches were military issued. While both sharing the gorgeous dial presentation of a Jo Siffert Autavia and being one of the lowest production timepieces offered by Heuer, the ref. 73663 is one of the most wearable and sought after chronographs ever produced by Heuer. Stock # HURAUT73663 Brand Heuer Style Autavia Model 73663 Serial 20XXXX Size Mens Material Stainless Dial White Millimeters 41mm Strap CASE & BRACELET The case remains in excellent condition showing light signs of an early polish on the sides of the case, and retaining its original factory finihsing on the top of the case. The original tachymeter bezel remains in stunning original condition, showing no wear from use or fading. The case retains its original crown and pushers. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc black rally strap. DIAL & HANDS The immaculate white dial is absolutely stunning, showing no flaws or dial wear. The original tritium lume plots have taken on a charming creamy yellow patina and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands with black enamel inlay remain in excellent condition and show no lume degradation under U.V. light inspection. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is running at spec, previous service history is unknown.