185 Heuer Fine Autavia GMT Tonneau-shaped Automatic Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 1163, With Box

Estimate: €10,000 –⁠ 20,000

Sold (Premium)€15,600

Model: Autavia GMT
Reference: 1163
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless steel
Year: 1970s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 11′
Case N°: 205285
Dimensions: 40 x 42 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement
Accessories: Box

The Autavia model, true representative of Heuer’s sporting heritage, was released in 1962 and was the first new model launched under the guidance of the firm’s new CEO Jack Heuer. Six years later, in 1968, was presented to the world the first Autavia GMT chronograph combining a two or three register chronograph with a colorful red and blue bezel. These GMT models resided in standard Autavia cases but the movements were modified to allow for the extra fourth hand. This fourth GMT hand may not be set or adjusted independently of the main hour hand, but shows the same time as the main hour hand, expressed on a 24-hour basis. The user rotates the red and blue bezel to show the correct time in a second time zone, with the GMT hand pointing to the 24-hour time on the bezel. The present lot is a very nice specimen conserved heavenly by the last owner: fully realized in stainless steel with bracelet, the tonneau shaped case is remarkable in proportions and conditions. The 24h red and blue bezel maintain its vivid colors and the black dial has no sign or spots. The white subdials are really nice such is the window at 6 o’clock for the date.