Heuer - The Geneva Watch Auction: X Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: Circa 1970
    Reference No: 1163GMT
    Case No: 225'556
    Model Name: Autavia GMT
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 11, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Gay Frères double grain bracelet, endlinks stamped HLF, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    When Jack Heuer launched the reference 1163 automatic chronograph in 1969, he wanted to target successful “men of action”: entrepreneurs and jet-setters with a penchant for car racing and sports in general. He was keen to incorporate new design elements into the model, deliberately introducing to the architecture of the timepiece both aesthetic elements more in fashion with the current times (most notably the tonneau-shaped case, a trend typical of the 1970s), and also featuring the useful date complication.

    Following the success of the model, soon reference 1163GMT was released, upgraded with a 24 hour module GMT. Early examples have the 1 to 24 rotating bezel and brushed steel hands with red insert. Second series ones, like the present lot, used the even number only bezel and red hands in the subdials. This is a short-lived feature as allegedly pilots found red hands difficult to read in low level light conditions. Consequently most examples thereafter used black subdial hands.

    This second edition model also uses the "no lume dot-bezel", (later or service models would use bezels with lume dot). All the 1163GMT references have fluted pushers with a recess cut into the top side of the case and crown at 9 o'clock which is always signed.

    The present example is offered in simply spectacular condition, featuring sharp edges to the case and an absolutely flawless dial. It is safe to say that this specimen ranks among the very best ones to ever appear on the public market. A final layer of appeal is given by the supremely elegant Gay Frères bracelet, a collectible in itself and a product of what is considered the best bracelet maker of the twentieth century.

  • 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. 1163GMT
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, dual time zone indication and bracelet

Circa 1970
42mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€7,500-11,300
$8,300-12,500

Sold for CHF17,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: X

Geneva Auction 9-10 November 2019