Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1974 Reference No: 11630 GMT Case No: 345'151 Model Name: Autavia GMT Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 14, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Tropic Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer "sun" buckle Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Literature: The present watch is illustrated in "Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962-85" by Richard Crosthwaite and Paul Gavin pp.162-165
Catalogue Essay
In the 70s, the jet age was in full speed with more modern jets crisscrossing the sky. Jack Heuer realized the need to offer pilots with an automatic professional watch that would allow them to keep track of time simultaneously in two different locations.
The first Autavia reference 1163GMT housed the calibre 11 modified for the 24 hour GMT indication. Later examples like the present 3rd execution are fitted with a caliber 14. The design of the dial and hands also evolved with this late execution. From 1970, the neon GMT hand’s tip was replaced by a square and the 30-minute counter was divided in 6 segments of 5 minutes each. Most often seen with a black dial and white subregisters, red accents and red edged hands, this reference was available in two dial variations. The present watch, features the rarest version with dark grey subregisters and black dial allowing the bright hands and neon orange accents on the 30-minute counter to offer a striking contrast.
Offered in almost untouched condition, the present watch can be considered as a true zeitgeist that pays homage to international travelers.
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.