Heuer - The Crosthwaite & Gavin Collection: Exceptional Heuer Chronographs From The Jack Heuer Era Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 1163T
    Case No: 141'374
    Model Name: Autavia 'Siffert' Chronomatic
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 11, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Original Heuer Corfam strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer 'sun' buckle
    Dimensions: 42mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Heuer presentation box.
    Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in "Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962- 85" by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin, (2nd edition), pages 116-119

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1969, reference 1163T was made only in very low numbers as Heuer tentatively tried a small batch of 50-100 pieces with the 'Chronomatic' moniker on the dial. This model was particularly favored and promoted by Jo Siffert and it is this Chronomatic version which is the most seen in pictures of his wrist. Siffert was a Swiss double Formula 1 Grand Prix champion and winner of the Daytona and Sebring races, his first two big race wins for Porsche. His name became synonymous with the fresh blue and white dials of the model he was wearing. Heuer relied heavily on its American buyers at this time and when the Chronomatic marketing campaign received a lukewarm reception, the name was quickly dropped. As a result, models now featuring Chronomatic on the dial are the absolute Holy Grail for collectors. This is of course in part due to the low production numbers and the fact that around only ten have been found by collectors so far.
    The first series reference 1163 models feature a Heuer signed calibre 11, ridged markers, unique lower placement of Autavia and square style pusher on the case. This present lot, part of the very rare first series, is not only a coveted "Siffert" model but it also features the highly sought after "Chronomatic" printing on the dial. Very rarely does a watch of the highest quality and rarity come to the open market like this and we believe it could be the last opportunity for many years to come.

  • Artist Biography

    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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Ref. 1163T
An important and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date aperture at 6 o'clock, blue accents on the dial, tachymeter bezel, original box.

Circa 1969
42mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 80,000 

Sold for CHF68,750

Contact Specialist
Virginie Liatard-Roessli
+41 22 317 81 89
vliatard@phillips.com

The Crosthwaite & Gavin Collection: Exceptional Heuer Chronographs From The Jack Heuer Era

Geneva Auction 11 November 2017