88 Heuer Very Fine Autavia “orange Boy” Tonneau-shaped Automatic Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 1163

Estimate: €4,000 –⁠ 8,000

Model: Autavia
Reference: 1163
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless steel
Year: 1970s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 12′
Case N°: 242419
Dimensions: 40 x 42 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement

The Autavia model was very popular among racers for being a solid and easy-to-read watch and thanks to its robust construction, some Autavias have survived over the years until today. A great example of a Heuer Autavia 1163 from the 1970s is the present lot offered here. This model is also called “Orange Boy” because of the orange elements that give this watch a fancy look. The stainless steel case has a robust, thick profile with sharp edges and looks very beautiful and authentic on the wrist also thanks to the solid bracelet. The black bezel is rotatable in both directions and indicates minutes and hours (for this reason also caller MH bezel). The matte black surface of the dial is in excellent condition, the white sub-dials have also been very well preserved while the tritium lume has aged evenly in the hour markers. The movement is a caliber 12′ and watches with these early automatic movements have two small triangles under the lug, such is this lot, that points out the originality of this example.