15
Heuer
Ref. 113.603, 11063V
Autavia "IDF"
A very rare and attractive PVD coated stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial, date, and revolving bezel, made for the Israeli Defense Forces
- Estimate
- CHF10,000 - 15,000€8,800 - 13,200$10,200 - 15,400
CHF23,750
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Heuer
- Year
- Circa 1985
- Reference No
- 113.603, 11063V
- Case No
- M 1875 (military issue number)
- Model Name
- Autavia "IDF"
- Material
- PVD coated stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 12, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- PVD coated stainless steel Heuer bracelet, max length 240mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- PVD coated stainless steel Heuer deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 41mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Heuer started supplying watches to different military forces in the second half of the 20th Century.
However, amongst these watches the most visually arresting were the Autavia reference 113.603 chronographs made for the Israeli Defense Forces (“IDF”) in the 1980s, with their large tonneau cases and black PVD coating.
The IDF, known in Hebrew as Tzahal includes all branches of Israel's military forces, comprising the ground forces, air force and navy. The military engraving on the caseback, “M1874”, documents the fact that it was an issued timepiece. Like similar military-issued Autavias, the case lacks a serial number – an absolutely correct detail, as these were special watches fabricated outside of Heuer’s regular production.
The condition of the present Autavia leads us to believe that even though it is a military issued timepiece it was sparingly worn, if ever. The black PVD is completely present throughout the case and on the rarely seen original bracelet.
The black dial with white and grey accents add to the stealth appearance of the watch.
The present lot is an outstanding, rarely seen example of a Heuer Autavia “IDF” that will appeal to the collector of military timepieces.
However, amongst these watches the most visually arresting were the Autavia reference 113.603 chronographs made for the Israeli Defense Forces (“IDF”) in the 1980s, with their large tonneau cases and black PVD coating.
The IDF, known in Hebrew as Tzahal includes all branches of Israel's military forces, comprising the ground forces, air force and navy. The military engraving on the caseback, “M1874”, documents the fact that it was an issued timepiece. Like similar military-issued Autavias, the case lacks a serial number – an absolutely correct detail, as these were special watches fabricated outside of Heuer’s regular production.
The condition of the present Autavia leads us to believe that even though it is a military issued timepiece it was sparingly worn, if ever. The black PVD is completely present throughout the case and on the rarely seen original bracelet.
The black dial with white and grey accents add to the stealth appearance of the watch.
The present lot is an outstanding, rarely seen example of a Heuer Autavia “IDF” that will appeal to the collector of military timepieces.
Literature
Heuer
Swiss | 1860This 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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