In the early 70s Heuer was exploring new ways to boost their sales. After having placed the brand name on the cars of the Ferrari Formula 1 team, Jack Heuer pursued more partnerships, as with the Parnelli Jones-Viceroy Racing Team. The Autavia model was extremely sought after and well assimilated to automobile sport. Many Formula 1 drivers were spotted wearing the model while smoking a cigarette between two laps. During the year 1972, you could therefore feel like a pilot on the side of the racetrack. The same year, an interesting marketing campaign was set up by Heuer, to own an Autavia Viceroy (named after the cigarette manufacturer also sponsoring the eponymous F1 team) and feel like a racecar driver, all one had to do was to send back the end flap of a Viceroy carton to obtain a chronograph with more than 50% discount.
This campaign was a great success but unfortunately very few Autavia Viceroy passed the test of time and still remain in good condition today.
Easily recognizable by its black dial surmounted by red hands and hour markers, the present Autavia Viceroy promotional watch remains in excellent condition.