
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Heuer Autavia "Shauntavia" ref 741.603, 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Heuer (maker)
- Date
- 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 42 mm
- Stock no.
- W-3377
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3377)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Heuer Autavia "Shauntavia" ref 741.603 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3377), this is a wristwatch by Heuer, made in Switzerland, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 42 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Bulang & Sons
What you're looking at is one of the rarest 1970s Autavias: the so-called “Shauntavia,” nicknamed after collector Shaun Wainstein, who conducted in-depth research on these models. This reference is often—if we can even use the word “often” for something this rare—seen with a Kenyan Air Force (KAF) marking, including a military issue number. These watches were issued to pilots and senior officers in the Air Force. This particular piece does not have the military marking, as it’s believed within the Heuer collector community that roughly half of these references were sold to the general public. The classic 1970s cushion-shaped 42mm case is in fine condition, featuring a bezel insert that has faded beautifully to a gunmetal grey. What makes this Autavia especially distinctive is its dial variant, which features bold, luminous Arabic numerals, two chronograph sub-dials, and a date window at 6 o’clock. Also noteworthy are the large white pencil-style hands with red tips, a red chronograph seconds hand, and black hands on the recessed sub-dials. Powering the watch is the hand-wound Caliber 7741, which has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. This striking tool watch comes on a Bulang and Sons racing-style strap, which we think pairs perfectly with its character. This is one of the rarest Heuer Autavia’s get in touch to get you this Shauntavia ! Specifications: Heuer Autavia “Shauntavia” reference 741.603 42mm steel cushion case with screw-back and pump pushers Turnable bezel Heuer hand-wound cal 7741 Serial 297xxx dating to the 1970s Black dial with Arabic lumed numerals Bulang & Sons leather strap Fully serviced by our watchmaker
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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