Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1972 Reference No: 1163 V Case No: 272'259 Model Name: Autavia "Viceroy" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Heuer bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Heuer chequerboard red box, two extra links and a guarantee dated 16.7.1977 and service invoice. Literature: A similar example is illustrated on Heuer Autavia 1962-85 by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin, pp.134-135
Catalogue Essay
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.
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.