188 Heuer Very Rare and Well-preserved Autavia “jo Siffert” Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 1163 With Box

Estimate: €15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: Autavia Jo Siffert
Reference: 1163
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless steel
Year: 1970s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 11′
Case N°: 142261
Dimensions: 40 x 42 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement
Accessories: Box

Heuer introduced its line-up of automatic chronograph in 1969, and the Autavia received not only its first automatic movement but also an entirely new color scheme. The black dials of the 1960s gave way to white ones with black registers, blue accents and a rotating tachymeter bezel. This model was the one chose by the Formula One champion Jo Siffert and from that moment on the entire line-up of these white-dialed models are now known as the “Siffert” Autavias. The model offered here is one of the reference 1163 but what really distinguishes it is its exceptional preservation and incredibly rare “2nd execution dial”. When the references 1163 Autavia was released in 1969, the very first models featured the distinctive “Chronomatic” name on the dial which was quickly discontinued allowing Breitling to use the name exclusively, making these “1st execution” dials exceptionally rare. While the text was removed from the dial, the distinctive ridge hour markers remain for a very short run believe to be between case numbers 141 000 and 144 000. The conditions of the whole stainless steel case are totally remarkable with still the satin finish. The dial is further notable for being clean and well preserved with attractively aged lumes to a warmer yellow tone.