Tag Archives: Autavia

The Heuer Autavia, reference 1163, was introduced in 1970. Some brands have brought out models that become an entity unto themselves. For example, ‘Daytona’, ‘Submariner’ or ‘Datejust’ make you think of Rolex. When you think of Heuer, your mind automatically steers towards three models, Monaco, Carrera and most importantly the Autavia. Built 13.5mm thick and 42.5mm wide it is a hefty old thing. The face is pronounced with its black dial, silvered subsidiary chronograph dials, punchy red seconds hand and hour marker highlights. It is then finished off with a date aperture at six. If you’re lucky enough to have an unrestored example you will also see the luminous paint fade. The crown is unusually positioned on the left side of the case. If you view it closely you will notice the flat ‘V’ in the word Autavia. A noticeable detail that has helped the Autavia become a collectors’ favourite. Büren 11 Movement What separates this watch from others is the movement – a calibre Büren 11 with its marvellous hidden micro-rotor. Not many of us will get the chance to see it, but sometimes the things left to the imagination are what draw us toward something. Even from the movement exterior, it appears to be a superbly complicated and well-crafted instrument.   To elaborate on the movement, the Büren calibre 11 movement was first introduced at the end of 1965. It was brought about by Dubois-Dépraz who began to branch the movement out to Jack Heuer, the grandson of the company’s founder, and then onto Willy Breitling, the second instalment of the Breitling watchmaking family tree. Jack Heuer was the last member of the Heuer family to manage the manufacturing of the brand, and also the most well-known member of the family. The man behind some of the most famous driving watches – the Carrera and Monaco to name a few (other models that also used the Büren 11 movement!). History of the Heuer Autavia The first Autavia was brought about in 1962. It took its name from the cockpit instrument used in 1933, used in both aviation and automobile dashboards. The name ‘Autavia’ serves as a reminder of its origin, a collaboration of “automotive” and “aviation”. In regards to automobile-Heuer relations, one relationship that has stood for quite some time is the Ferrari-Heuer partnership. You can see an example of the Autavia reference 2446 worn by Christian Bale in the fairly recent film “Ferrari vs. Ford”. The excitement surrounding the Autavia model has always been synonymous with Formula One, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. The high quality of the vintage Autavias means they can still be enjoyed in the present just as it was over 50 years ago. Whatever success Ferrari have had in their races it must be partially credited to the accuracy of the Heuer instruments used. Heuer Autavia at Auction Lot 49 Heuer – an Autavia chronograph watch, 42mm. Estimate: £2,500 – £3,000 Watches | Thursday 4th April 2024 Viewing times (ID required): London Tuesday 26th March 12:00-19:00 Birmingham Wednesday 3rd April 10:00-16:00 Thursday 4th April 8:30-09:00 Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Kain Holroyd | Head of Watches