7 Heuer Extremely Rare Military Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel Pvd-coated With Box

Estimate: €2,000 –⁠ 4,000

Model: Autavia
Reference: 113 603, 11063V
Case Material: PVD coated stainless steel
Bracelet Material: PVD coated stainless steel
Year: 1980s
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 12′
Dimensions: 40 x 42 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement
Accessories: Box

Heuer released the Autavia in many case sizes and configurations, all made of stainless steel. The earliest models had a screw case back, unusual for racing chronographs of the period. In the 1970s Heuer shifted to the large, cushion-style cases that are most often associated with the model. This increase in case size was to accommodate their new Caliber 12 movement. In 1985 debuted a group of four models that used the case of the previous reference 11 063 but coated with different shades of PVD. The reference 112 063, distinguished by the pewter shade of the PVD coating; the reference 111 063, in olive green, the 114 603 with gold-plated and the 113 603 in black such as the present watch. This is exactly the same model Heuer supplied to the elite naval officers of the Israeli Defense Forces – known as Tzahal in Hebrew but the present watch has been destined to the public market. The problem with PVD is that it often deteriorates over time, which makes finding one well preserved and the lot here offered is super since the black PVD is completely present throughout the case, in accordance with the watch’s overall excellent, original condition. Speaking of rarity, all of these PVD-coated references of Autavia are exceptionally so and this specimen is definitely not to be missed.