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30

Heuer

Ref. 741.603 GMT

Autavia GMT

A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with dual time zone indication, date and bright yellow GMT second time zone hand.

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000
CHF25,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Heuer
Year
Circa 1974
Reference No
741.603 GMT
Case No
297'974
Model Name
Autavia GMT
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. Valjoux 7741, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Heuer Corfam strap
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Heuer 'sun' buckle
Dimensions
42mm. Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Heuer red chequerboard presentation box and the original guarantee.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in the mid-70s, at a time when demand was strong for automatic or quartz movements, this Autavia GMT model powered by the manual wind caliber Valjoux 7741 mechanism needed to find means to stand out in the watch market. Conscious about the challenges this manual watch had to face, the brand decided to pay special attention to the design of its dial, gifting this timepiece with a powerful bright yellow second time zone hand beautifully contrasting with the red accents on the hands and 30 minutes counter. Unfortunately, despite this attention to detail, this model did not encounter the success it deserved and sales were below the brand's expectations.

In the world of collectors, the commercial failures of the past make the success of the present and today, over 40 years after its original launch, this striking example has become a coveted timepiece of which less than 20 pieces are known to exist. Furthermore, it presents itself today in virtually New Old Stock condition still retaining an intact red sticker on its caseback and with no signs of aging. Indeed, a true time capsule to the delight of the savvy collectors!

Heuer

Swiss | 1860
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.
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